Queens Chronicle 45th Anniversary Edition

1978 2023

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45TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION • 2023

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 16, 2023 Page 2

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COOL SPOTS CONTENTS • The once and future Queens Theatre .............. 4 • Ridgewood: historical and hip at once ............ 6 • Sweat makes sweets at Schmidt’s Candy....... 8 • Lost Battalion Hall is at your service ..............10

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45th Anniversary Edition

The many lives of Queens Theatre Even with leaks, the show went on

by Mark Lord

Two more theatrical seasons folFrom 1972 until 1985, the theater lowed, and then, in 1985, the theater had “a full roster of performing arts ceased operations, remaining closed activity,” the program reminds us.

During this period, Playwrights for the next four years.

We took our places onstage at According to Rosenstock, thenHorizons, a nonprofit producing Queens Theatre in the Park for our organization that had been founded Borough President Claire Shulman final dress rehearsal of “Bubba Mein“felt it was important to reopen the in 1971 under artistic director Robert sers,” an original musical tribute to Moss, produced full seasons of plays theater.” So, Shulman and the city’s Jewish grandmothers.

We could hear the heavy rain out- at the theater and built an audience Department of Cultural Affairs “put side pounding on the roof. And then base of 6,000 subscribers. Its offer- out a call for proposals to operate” the theater, Rosenstock said. we began to feel it. Yes, at center ings ranged from Shakespeare to “Everybody was interested,” he musicals such as “Anything Goes.” stage, we found ourselves brushing In 1981, in keeping with its role as recalled. “Claire chose Queens Counaway the droplets dripping on our heads. Before long, small puddles a cultural and educational outlet in cil on the Arts.”

Rosenstock, along with another the borough, the theater, now known began to form all around us. young man, Peter Cromarty, The year was 1991, and the the- as Theater in the Park, hosted the approached the Council about taking ater was obviously in need of a com- first annual Queens High School over the reins. The duo got hired for plete overhaul, having had a long Theater Festival. the job as co-directors.

A program note indicates that “our and varied history dating back nearBut it wasn’t easy sailing. “We purpose has been to broaden high ly three decades. But its greatest school students’ understanding of couldn’t use the main theater,” years were yet to come. theater by exposing them to profes- Rosenstock said. “We were afraid the Originally known as “Theaterama,” it was designed by world- sional approaches to some of theater’s roof would cave in.”

So, he and his intrepid crew took various elements.” renowned architect Philip Johnson The program’s credits included matters into their own hands, conand built as part of the New York State Pavilion for the 1964 World’s executive director Arthur Conescu verting office space in the belly of the building into a small black Fair. Its attraction was a 360-degree and, as his assistant, a box theater. It was here, motion picture tribute to the fair’s young man named Jeffrey during the 1990-91 seaRosenstock, who would host state.

CENTER son, that the first producAs the years went by, the theater eventually become the STAGE tion of Rosenstock’s tenwould undergo many changes, not theater’s guiding light, ure would open, a musical shaping its role in the the least of which was its name. entitled, “A Wing and a community for decades to According to an old program, in Prayer.” Scheduled for 1972, the theater, now called come. two weekends, its run was Between Conescu and Queens Playhouse, “was converted extended to three and a into a 482-seat auditorium by a Rosenstock, serving as the group of dedicated residents and theater’s artistic director, came Sue half months, according to Willy MosLawless, who would go on to a career quera, one of the staff members who theater professionals.”

Overseeing the venue was its as a director both on and off Broad- helped in the reconstruction.

Mosquera recently recalled that he founder, Joseph Kutrzeba; the open- way. Rosenstock recalled in a recent ing attraction was a production of telephone interview that Lawless’ met Rosenstock when both were employed at Caramba, a Mexican resShaw’s “Pygmalion.” Kutrzeba’s stay first production at the theater was would be short-lived, only until 1974, “Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii,” a farce taurant in Manhattan. When Rosenstock left to run the theater, he invitwhen he left to produce the Broad- that starred Georgia Engel, best way musical “The Lieutenant,” which remembered from “The Mary Tyler ed Mosquera to join him. Mosquera began as a stagehand and eventually Moore Show.” started out at the Playhouse. became house manager, seemingly always at the theater entrance welcoming patrons, and easily recognized by his extraordinary head of hair. Mosquera remains at the theater to this day, 33 years after he arrived.

Upstairs, a new roof was put on, the seats and curtain were restored, and a new façade, featuring two nowiconic columns, was created. Shulman’s office provided much-needed support, financial and otherwise.

“No Claire, no Queens Theatre,” Rosenstock has often said.

In fact, at a gala event on April 24, 2002, the mainstage was officially named The Claire Shulman Playhouse in her honor.

Through the years, Rosenstock saw the need for the theater “to The 2003 Queens Legislative Revue, with Claire Shulman, Peter Vallone Sr. embrace a borough with a diverse PHOTO BY DOMINIC TOTINO and many more borough dignitaries.

Chronicle Contributor

Queens Theater in the Park Co-directors Peter Cromarty, left, and Jeffrey Rosenstock outside the venue in a photo likely from 1989, when they initially got the green light to run it under the auspices of the Queens Council on PHOTO COURTESY JEFFREY ROSENSTOCK the Arts. population.” He saw it as “a place of public assembly that would build community, where all types of people should feel welcome.”

To that end, Rosenstock would personally appear onstage before most shows to give a brief curtain speech, making audiences feel at home. It was a tradition he picked up from Moss.

By the time the renovations were completed and the theater reopened as a 476-seat house on Oct. 16, 1993, it was known as Queens Theatre in the Park, adding the borough to its official name and changing the “er” in Theater to “re.”

The 1996-97 season saw no fewer than 90,000 patrons attending more than 300 performances, according to Wikipedia. They included the first annual Latino Cultural Festival, which would be a popular attraction for 17 years, celebrating contributions of Latin American artists to the cultural life of New York City.

By the 2005-06 season, over 400 performances were offered, reaching 120,000 people.

Another popular event was the annual Legislative Revue, which found the borough’s elected officials strutting their stuff onstage.

Among the name performers who have appeared at the theater are Rita Moreno, Carol Lawrence, Barbara Cook, Jackie Mason, Red Buttons, Donna McKechnie, Kevin Bacon, Leslie Uggams, Art Garfunkel, Lesley Gore, Andre De Shields, Joy Behar and Adam Pascal.

Dozens of new plays have received staged readings and productions at the theater, leading for some to Broadway engagements, including “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo”

and, most recently, “Chicken and Biscuits.”

A restoration project, completed in 2010, included the addition of a circular pavilion that welcomes visitors as they arrive, as well as a new 75-seat performance/cabaret space.

Following Rosenstock’s departure in 2011 to oversee the professional arts organizations at Queens College, Ray Cullom took over as executive director for the next two years, presenting such productions as “Chix 6,” a superhero musical, and a new dance/theater piece called “The Jack Cole Project.” And the theater had one final name change, at least for now, to simply Queens Theatre.

Since 2013, the theater has been run by Taryn Sacramone, who said she has made “no huge departures” from the theater’s storied history, opting to build on what was already in place. The Latino Cultural Festival led to additional related programming and the downstairs studio welcomed Titan Theatre Co. as theater company in residence. Sacramone has also been promoting the theater’s “radically grown portfolio of education programs.”

Since 2017, the theater has made an intentional effort to work with more artists of the disability community and to offer more accessibility services for audience members.

Recently, the theater has opened its doors to live podcasting, including “Race Chaser Live,” which, according to Sacramone, “sold very well.”

As to the future, Sacramone hopes to continue to turn young audiences into lifelong lovers of the arts and to “serve the full diversity of the community,” saying, “We want to make Q sure people see themselves.”

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45th Anniversary Edition

Historic yet trendy is Ridgewood Hit 99-year-old Gottscheer Hall or brand-new Topos Too

by Stephanie G. Meditz

Topos Bookstore likewise uses art, namely the written word, to encourage connections in the community. The cozy space on Woodward and Putnam avenues has brought coffee and used books to Ridgewood since 2014.

With the influx of thrift stores and minimalist cafes, RidgeOwner Anny Oberlink saw an increased demand for new wood has followed in its trendy Brooklyn neighbor Bushwick’s books in the store. footsteps and become one of the most hip neighborhoods in At the end of October, Topos opened a second location dediQueens. cated to new books, Topos Too, at 59-22 Myrtle Ave. The larger The historic neighborhood strikes a balance between the old space, complete with tin ceilings characteristic of classic Ridgeand the new, as new businesses emerge amid the brownstones wood architecture, will host all of Topos’ future events. with hopes to join the ranks of landmarks like Gottscheer Hall.

“We love Myrtle Avenue ... there’s a lot of great businesses, so Gottscheer Hall on Fairview Avenue has been a Ridgewood it feels like it’s a really nice commercial area to be a part of,” staple since its founding in 1924. Serving up beer, wine and traOberlink said. ditional German pub grub, it is a nod to the waves of Gottschee While the menu at Topos’ first location is limited to cafe fare, immigrants who came to cities like New York and Cleveland in the new location will add beer and wine to the list. the early 19th century. The county of Gottschee lies in south cenOberlink hopes the new space will host book clubs, communitral Slovenia, and the language spoken there is considered one of ty meetings to discuss literature, poetry readings and book the oldest German dialects. launches, ideally spotlighting local authors.

Bartender Danny Kikel said Gottscheer Hall still hosts ethnic “I think literature really is a way to bring people together that German cultural clubs, dances, choir and more.

“Forty years ago, [Gottscheer Hall’s clientele] was a bunch may not necessarily have an opportunity to meet each other,” she said. “I think a lot of people meet their friends in these spaces.” of people who came from Gottschee and Europe. This was Aware that Topos is one of many new developtheir place. Now, a lot of them passed away and ments in the neighborhood, she aims to include longtheir kids moved away, but the place is always time Ridgewood businesses and residents in her regenerated with the neighborhood. And once peoHIP AND vision of community. Topos’ first location formerly ple come here, they always come back,” manager HAPPENING hosted a reading club consisting entirely of Polish lanand president Joe Morscher said. guage books to connect with Ridgewood’s large PolNew businesses collaborate with the iconic tavish-speaking population. ern to foster a sense of community between old “We want to encourage ... highlighting businesses timers and newcomers, who Morscher said “love or working with people who have been here for a the German beer.” Gottscheer Hall hosts karaoke while. I know there’s a lot of new people coming into nights and DJ parties on weekends in partnership the neighborhood ... we’ve been here for 10 years, but we’re still a with Woodbine and Tiny Arts Supply. somewhat new business. But I feel like there’s ways to work in a “The hipsters, all different people come here. They love this community where you kind of [provide] a space for people to place,” Morscher said.

“What’s happened in the last 10, 15 years is amazing,” explore a creative side,” Oberlink said.

Over time, Ridgewood has come to be known for its many Kikel said. “I think people like this place because it’s old, coffee shops. obviously. It’s authentic.”

Norma’s Bakery & Cafe has called the corner of Catalpa Described as a volunteer-run experimental hub, Woodbine on Woodward Avenue helps community members develop autono- and Forest avenues home since 2012. Along with a full menu of coffee, espresso and signature breakfast sandwiches, the my through workshops, classes and discussions, including readcozy cafe serves seasonal baked goods and flavor syrups, both ing groups and film screenings. It also hosts Sunday dinners, an made in-house. open gym twice a week and a community fridge.

Lovers of Variety Coffee Roasters’ various Brooklyn and Tiny Arts Supply is an art supply store on Catalpa Avenue that Manhattan locations can now find their favorite coffee shop on hosts classes and workshops in the neighborhood to use art as a Grandview Avenue in Ridgewood. With a focus on freshness, unifying force.

Variety offers a menu that aligns with the growing seasons of several coffee-growing parts of the world, including Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ethiopia and Mexico.

Bring your laptop to Milk & Pull on Seneca Avenue and Madison Street, where its ample space and free Wi-Fi allow you to get work done with a seasonal pastry and your favorite caffeinated beverage.

Ridgewood also touts several thrift stores with offerings as eclectic as the community itself.

Gotham Thrift on the corner of Fresh Pond Road and Myrtle Avenue is home to a vast collection of vintage comic books, vinyl records, glassware and more, with several racks of clothing toward the back of the store and a box of children’s clothing for just $2 a piece. One could spend an afternoon scouring the shelves or simply admiring antiques, Ridgewood’s historic Gottscheer Hall, left, is on the verge of its 100th anniversary, such as a vintage typewriter and turntable. while the much newer TV Eye’s mood lighting and eclectic decor set the stage for As a buy-sell-trade outpost, Other Peodancing, singing and admiring art with friends, all in one night.

Chronicle Contributor

Topos Bookstore expanded onto Myrtle Avenue at the end of October with a second location, above, called Topos Too and PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE G. MEDITZ consisting entirely of new books. ple’s Clothes on Woodward Avenue combines style and sustainability. Its groovy interior invites shoppers to peruse its numerous racks of clothing and wall of accessories.

Music gurus might check out Deep Cut Records on Catalpa Avenue, a buy-sell-trade for vinyl records heaping with hidden gems.

Ridgewood’s nightlife lets you kick back and enjoy a drink, see a show, dance the night away — or possibly all three.

The Windjammer first opened on the corner of Grandview Avenue and Bleecker Street in 1982, closed for a brief period in 2016 and reopened under new management that same year. The old-school space, complete with pool tables and arcade games, pairs well with an ice-cold beer.

The back room serves as a community art and performance space. Footlight Presents hosts several open mics and workshops in addition to live music, dance and theater performances by local artists. Admission to most events is on a sliding scale and some are free, such as open mics at 9 p.m. on Mondays.

TV Eye on Weirfield Street describes itself as a “funhaus,” or a bar, nightclub, concert venue, art gallery and restaurant. Its four bar rooms, art gallery and courtyard have an aesthetic reminiscent of punk and rock ’n’ roll.

TV Eye’s extensive event calendar includes concerts by local musicians, comedy shows such as Tinder Live, themed dance parties in the ballroom and free karaoke on Tuesdays.

Brooklyn’s beer and vinyl record hub BierWax came to Ridgewood on the corner of Madison Street and Cypress Avenue last year. In addition to music from owner Chris Maestro’s collection of over 3,000 records, BierWax Queens features vinyl-only DJ sets.

“All these people coming in here are entrepreneurs opening up their own little thing to have their own little spot,” Morscher Q said. “That’s great. That’s the old European style.”

Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 16, 2023

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45th Anniversary Edition

Chocolate bliss at Schmidt’s Candy

Serving real homemade confections in Woodhaven since 1925

by Kristen Guglielmo

time of year, summer heat makes candymaking difficult.

“Everything has to be a certain temperature,” Schmidt explained. “We’re using real Stepping into 94-15 Jamaica Ave. in chocolate, so it has to be tempered. During Woodhaven is akin to entering a wonderland the hotter weather we had, I had to use a of sweets. refrigerator just for chocolate.”

Displays are stocked with confections of “The marshmallows, the caramel,” Florall sorts and chocolates galore in dark, milk ence said, “it all responds very poorly to and white varieties — whether your favorite heat and humidity.” is jelly-filled or has a sweet, caramel center, The store’s usual bestsellers are chocoanyone who enters Schmidt’s Candy is sure late-covered raspberry jelly, butter crunch, to find something to delight the taste buds. nonpareils, caramels and marshmallows.

Margie Schmidt, the establishment’s “The things that are hard to make sell the owner, works constantly. She spends time best,” Schmidt joked. “The jellies are hard to tediously making chocolates and candies, make because each batch is different. Today, and is often still at it until late in the night. the butter crunch was just strenuously hard.”

It’s a craft she learned from her father, “She makes chocolate-covered gummy Frank, back when he owned the shop, and bears now, which disgust her — but they’re a before then, it was her grandfather, Frank big seller!” Florence said with a laugh. “We Sr., who purchased the building and opened even have a lot of sugar-free options.” The the store back in 1925. sugar-free chocolates are special-ordered Frank Jr. passed away when Margie was and made using a sugar substitute. in her 20s, and she took the reins.

Schmidt’s Candy, located at 94-15 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven, has been a neighborhood instiThe employees’ personal favorites? “It “I had to take it over, or it was going to be tution for homemade chocolates for nearly 100 years.

PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO changes from week to week,” Florence said. finished,” Schmidt said, relaying that no “I really like the cinnamon sugar — it’s like who say they used to come in with their Schmidt said, with Christmastime the busiother family members wanted to manage the shop. She recalled working at the family own grandparents. est. That’s when Schmidt’s handmade candy the crumb of a crumb cake covered in chocWoodhaven resident Melissa Ramos told canes are a bestseller. “Those will be com- olate. The fudge is really good, too.” business as early as 6 years old.

Schmidt said she “likes to keep it simple” Asked if she had any special memories the Chronicle, “I remember my grandmother ing sooner than later,” Schmidt said. Right used to buy me and my sister the chocolate now, in Thanksgiving spirit, chocolate tur- with chocolate crackers and pretzels. working as a child, Schmidt laughed. “I Asked what keeps people coming back to Easter bunnies from Schmidt’s. We used to keys are available. remember my father used to smoke cigars in get so excited, and then one year here back when you could smoke Florence, an employee and longtime her store instead of the competition, Schmidt cited both the quality and quantity. She also she tried to buy the Easter buninside,” Schmidt said. “The string friend of Schmidt who mans the front of the mentioned the online order system has been nies from Duane Reade or some- house, lauded her friend’s work ethic. of ash would be so long.”

UNIQUE thing. They weren’t the same.”

The decades-old vintage candy “She makes her own hard candy,” Flor- great for business. The shop ships nationally, and it has regulars who make orders online.

Additionally, the shop has ence said. “Talk about labor intensive!” molds previously used are on disTREATS The future of Schmidt’s is unknown, as received honorary certificates play, and the shop’s old storefront Asked if she ever takes a break, Schmidt from then-Councilmembers Eric replied, “Don’t go feeling bad for me. This is there’s no one in line to take over the family sign hangs indoors, an ode to the business once Schmidt decides to retire.

Ulrich and Elizabeth Crowley, the season. I left at midnight last night, and long history of the establishment.

“I can get at least two more years out of Queens Borough President Dono- two o’clock two nights before that.” She Schmidt’s is a treasured staple van Richards and Assemblywomin the Woodhaven community. joked that the holiday season is the “worst this body,” she said, “and then we’ll see.”

When the time comes, she said she will The Woodhaven Business Improvement Dis- an Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), who time but the best time.” definitely let the public know, so that the trict calls the shop “Woodhaven’s spot for last year hosted a ceremony inducting Schmidt even busies herself making Schmidt’s Candy into the state Historic candy on the days the store is closed, Sunday Woodhaven community can bid a final homemade chocolates and sweets.” goodbye to the institution.

Business Preservation Registry.

Countless residents frequent the estaband Monday. Her breaks are taken during For more information on Schmidt’s “It gets busy during the holiday season. the summer, when the shop is closed for lishment, and Schmidt says she gets cusQ Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s Day,” good reason: In addition to it being a slower Candy, visit schmidtscandy.com. tomers coming in with their grandkids, Associate Editor

A display of various handmade chocolate confections, left; some sweet treats perfect for Thanksgiving; and Frank Schmidt Jr., o Schmidt’s Candy.

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45th Anniversary Edition

Service goes with the name

Historic Lost Battalion Hall community center gets fix-up

by Michael Gannon

of ceremony befitting the site’s place in Queens and American history, from its architecture to its distinguished visitors over the years.

The Lost Battalion Hall RecreStarting, he said, with a pair of ation Center in Rego Park dates back to 1939, when the Great military-themed murals in the gym.

“I had an extensive tour in 2020,” Depression-era Works Progress A d m i n i s t r a t i o n a u t h o r i z e d Perlman said. “I was able to see those murals up close and personal. $100,000 to construct a two-story And they’re incredible.” structure on city property on Called the Sailor, Soldier and Queens Boulevard to serve as a home for the Queens Veterans of Marine Works Project AdministraForeign Wars and American tion Murals, they were painted by artist Oscar Julius. Much like the Legion.

WPA hired out-of-work people to Converted to a multifaceted work on government-financed projcommunity center after it was ects to give them income, it also transferred to the Department of Parks and Recreation in 1960, it is regularly commissioned painters, sculptors and other artists for pubin the final stages of a $22 million renovation project that began in licly displayed works to keep them employed.

July 2022.

“It was rare for Rego Park, Forest The Parks and Recreation website, as of Tuesday, said construc- Hills and nearby communities to tion is scheduled to be completed in have WPA commissions on display,” Perlman said. The murals January 2024. But an emailed statement from the department Monday underwent some restoration work in 1995, which the Parks website says night left completion open-ended.

“The overall reconstruction of was done as part of a $350,000 allocation from then-Borough President the Lost Battalion Hall requires additional attention before the proj- Claire Schulman.

Perlman said the Forest Hills ect can be completed,” the statement said. “We will keep the com- Post Office, also on Queens Boulemunity board, and Queens resi- vard, also was a WPA project.

Perlman was disappointed to dents updated as we move forward see them marred by graffiti durwith repairs and evaluation of the ing his tour, and hopes they will facility.”

The name of the building comes be restored before the building reopens. from the old 77th Infantry Division, He said the Art Moderne strucknown sometimes as the “Metroture — “The brick facade is unique, politan Division.”

“It was made up mostly of New too” — used to have a firing range York City residents,” Rego Park his- and drill hall for both the veterans organizations and its later function torian Michael Perlman told the Chronicle. He said he’s looking for- as a civil defense post.

It also had a boxing ring. ward to the reopening, and hoped The basketball court in the gym Parks and Rec will have some sort Associate Editor

One of two murals by artist Oscar Julius that adorn the gym, honoring AmeriPHOTO BY MICHAEL PERLMAN can soldiers in World War I at Lost Battalion Hall.

Whether it’s fighting for others’ freedom or helping Rego Park’s seniors and children, the “Lost Battalion” and its NYC PARKS PHOTO namesake community center have always brought service to mind.

In 2003, Mayor Mike Bloomberg was used over the years by the likes of Hall of Famers Bobby attended an event and unveiled a McDermott, a Queens native who plaque commemorating the 85th starred in professional leagues anniversary of the founding of the from the mid-1930s to 1950; and unit that through a series of unforWillis Reed, captain of champion- tunate miscommunications would ship New York Knicks teams in become known as the Lost Battal1970 and 1973, who once lived in ion. The naming was a tribute to the the nearby Park City Estates heroism and sacrifice that took place over less than a week in the apartment complex.

“They even used to host square infamous Ardennes Forest.

According to the official website dance festivals in the 1940s,” Perlof the U.S. Army, the man said. descendants of the 77th A photo from Perlman’s collection shows STILL THEY Infantry Division — now the 77th Sustainfighter Emile Griffith, a SERVE ment Brigade — still champion in three differwear the Statue of Liberent weight classes in his ty uniform patch that its career, visiting the evemembers wore when it ning of a boxing card. became the first Army Perlman and the Parks said programs offered at the Reserve division to deploy to center include afterschool activi- France in World War I. On Oct. 2, 1918, 687 men under ties, exercise and workout facilities, the command of Maj. Charles Whitcomputer instruction and a full rostlesey entered the Charlevaux ter of senior programs. The senior Ravine to help secure a major road. center was added to the basement They had no way of knowing in 2001.

There is even a playground that that an American unit on their was first built by AT&T in 1976 as right flank and French soldiers to part of an agreement to place an their left had not advanced as underground telephone exchange quickly as planned until enemy on the site. The telecom giant’s infantry units came in behind them that night, trapping them behind own modern-design building is German lines. next door.

Despite increasingly heavy lossMayors, of course, also have frees, the encircled 77th repelled every quented the building either attendattack over five days, first running ing events or hosting them.

out of medical supplies, then food and water, as headquarters repeatedly tried to rescue or relieve them.

They even had to use the last of their carrier pigeons — the only communication method left available to them — to implore Allied artillery to stop shelling their position with friendly fire.

A story from 2008 on the Army’s official website, written by Sgt. Maj. Cameron Porter, said American reporters chronicling the 77th’s increasingly hopeless stand coined the term “Lost Battalion.” “[The] name was a gross examination of the facts,” Porter wrote.

“Whittlesey and his men were not lost in the sense that no one knew where they were. In fact, everyone knew where they were, especially the Germans.”

Only 194 would walk out of the ravine following a forced German pullback on Oct. 7-8.

The only fighting that has taken place at the center since 1939 has been limited to things like youth boxing programs and professional wrestling cards.

Perlman said the history, the architecture and even the murals should bring it up for a decision by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission.

“I’d like to see that in conjunction with this being Rego Park’s 100th anniversary,” Perlman said. Q

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45th Anniversary Edition

Bayside small gallery has big vision Garage Art Center is about community

by Mark Lord

which closes for the winter months, is already fully booked until 2028, Lee said.

“Our goal,” she added, “is to continue this journey. We want to create strong community through art together.”

It would be difficult to find a better example of the old provThe Garage Art Center is a nonprofit organization. Lee said erb, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” than the case of Stephanie Lee, a Korean folk artist and founding director of the she has applied for various grants to help keep it going. In addition, Flushing Town Hall and the Queens College Art Center Garage Art Center in Bayside. donate space for group exhibitions sponsored by the center.

The garage in the venue’s name is literally just that. In fact, it’s Lee said the center offers art experiences that benefit the comLee’s own garage at her Corporal Kennedy Street residence. munity and supports artists and arts organizations, “I convinced my husband to remove all his bicyboth locally and internationally. cles and gadgets from the garage, then converted it EXHIBITS She endeavors to “celebrate the rich diversity of into a gallery space,” said Lee, who received her BFA our community and create a space where art can and MS degrees from Pratt Institute.

AND TALKS connect, communicate and create solidarity among Use of the space for exhibitions is free for artists, us all.” as is admission for visitors to the gallery.

The center’s solo exhibitions “highlight the inLee, a native of South Korea and a resident of the depth philosophy of an individual artist,” according borough since 2000, explained that “as an artist to its website, while the occasional group exhibitions myself, I’ve always thought the art world treats artists “explore compelling things.” unfairly. Most artists, unless they are famous, have to pay gallery Its education program offers hands-on workshops and art lecrental fees to exhibit.” tures, as well as panel discussions, while its community program Another problem facing emerging artists, according to Lee, is makes available guided gallery group visits and onsite group that “there are limited public spaces and it is very difficult to do workshops at community centers in Queens and beyond. solo shows in those venues. So, I decided to open one myself.”

The center’s next offering will take place in March 2024, an The garage opened as a gallery in 2020, she said. “We did exhibition by female artists celebrating Women’s History Month. numerous high-quality solo shows, art workshops and art talks, It will take place at the Queens College Art Center. That will be all free and open to the public,” she said.

People seem to love the arrangement, as the exhibition space, followed by monthly exhibitions at the Garage, including: “FlowChronicle Contributor

Celebrating a solo show of works by Jeong Min Park, second from left, are John Fekner, Frances Hynes and Stephanie Lee, PHOTO COURTESY STEPHANIE LEE founder of the Garage Art Center. er Talk” by Eunju Kang, April 6 to 28; “Vermicular Calligraphy”

by Cui Fei, May 4 to 26; and “Little Red” by Tony Gonzalez, June 1 to 30.

Each exhibit at the Garage comes with a coinciding workshop led by the particular artist.

The Garage Art Center is located at 26-01 Corporal Kennedy St., Bayside. The Queens College Art Center is located in the Benjamin Rosenthal Library, 6th floor, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Q Flushing. For further information, visit garageartcenter.org.

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45th Anniversary Edition

Forest Hills’ own southern charm

Generations of memories on the Metropolitan Ave. strip

by Jessica Meditz Associate Editor

While describing Forest Hills to someone not from the area, one might paint the picture of Station Square’s historic Tudor and Arts-and-Crafts architecture, the feeling of an urban oasis in Forest Hills Gardens or the hustle and bustle of the commercial Austin Street and Queens Boulevard.

But tucked away to the south is Forest Hills’ section of Metropolitan Avenue, a lively business and cultural hub that begins with the highly rated Queens Metropolitan High School, and ends with the family-friendly Italian spot Dee’s Wood Fired Pizza + Kitchen.

The neighborhood’s portion of the major street that runs through northern Brooklyn and much of Queens is home to numerous local businesses and residential properties, and gives passersby the opportunity to travel back in time.

Nicolaou added that another goal of his is to reopen the conMost of the strip’s building facades are original — from joined Theater Cafe in 2024, which shuttered four years ago.

Tudor Gothic terra-cotta to brickwork with intricate motifs — “The theater will have a makeover, which will start next and one can almost envision the old trolley line that was once month. The cafe will reopen and be better than ever — a place to situated there. have a glass of wine, a snack, but most importantly, spend time Metropolitan Avenue also houses some of Queens’ longest- with friends before and after a movie. It will be a place for the standing businesses. community to hang out,” he said.

“The two earliest businesses on Metropolitan Avenue in ForCinemart’s neighbor, Eddie’s Sweet Shop, has been owned est Hills are Cinemart Cinemas, which originated as the Metropand operated by the Citrano family since 1968. olis Theater and then became known as the Inwood Theater, Its old-fashioned countertop service with swivel stools and which opened around 1926, and Eddie’s Sweet Shop, which homemade ice cream make it a mainstay in the neighborhood. opened around 1925 under an earlier name prior to becoming Co-owner Angelina Citrano intricately decorates the storeWitt’s Ice Cream & Confectionery in the mid ’40s,” front’s windows for each holiday or season, and feels said Michael Perlman, chairman of the Rego-Forest honored to serve her community by bringing generaFAMILY Preservation Council and area historian. tions together.

“Today’s rendition of Metropolitan Avenue accom“People just have this connection, this memory to LEGACIES modates a unique mix of shops. The presence of so Eddie’s whether they were born and raised here or many mom-and-pop shops is admirable, as well as become new fans. Grandmas have brought their many cultural restaurants,” he continued. “It’s wongrandchildren here, and then those grandchildren go derful traveling to many countries by restaurant hopon to bring their children, and so on,” she said. “We ping in a single day along Metropolitan Avenue.” are so humbled by all of this, and we love that people Cinemart Cinemas is a community pillar that presents firstlove the place, the memories and, of course, our ice cream.” run and art house films for affordable price points. The theater is Directly across the street is Wagging Tails, a family-owned known for its interior decor featuring portraits of old Hollywood and operated pet supply store that offers grooming and doggy actors, as well as its comfortable reclining seats. daycare services. Opened in 2001, Wagging Tails has brought Owner Nick Nicolaou is proud to continue the legacy of the individualized care to the furry friends of Forest Hills for oldest continuously operated independent movie theater in the over 20 years. borough.

Nick’s Bistro offers Greek fare in a neighborhood setting, “There’s a certain nostalgia to this theater. If people came here striving to make customers feel at home while also having an eleas kids, it’s nice to go back to a place that has all these memogant dining experience. ries,” he said. “That’s the point of having a 100-year-old theater, Art World is a custom framing store that has served Forest that history behind it. That made it worth saving. My goal is to Hills and its surrounding communities for over 60 years. Dedimake the cinema a better experience for all.” cated to its craft, Art World prides itself in offering one of the largest selections of frames on the Northeast Coast.

Countless other businesses, old and new, line the strip, including chains such as 7-Eleven and McDonald’s, as well as the Post Office’s Parkside Station. Also on Metropolitan Avenue are the Queens Public Library and the office of Community Board 6, where residents can take out a book or find resources to better understand their community.

Aigner Chocolates is another longstanding business on the strip. Founded in 1930, the chocolate and confectionery shop was owned by three generations of Aigners, and then was passed along to new owners Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini in 2015.

Known for its gift boxes, showcase pieces and specifically, caramels and pistachio marzipan, Aigner Chocolates prides itself on making Austrian-style chocolate using the same antique equipment and techniques as ever.

Aigner Chocolates is also one of the founding businesses of Metro Village of Forest Hills, a small-business alliance formed during the pandemic.

Eddie’s Sweet Shop and Cinemart are the oldest businesses on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills, historian Michael Perlman says. Both date to the Roaring ’20s. Above, the crowd at Eddie’s, many eager for a sundae, left.

Top, Cinemart in August 1980. Below, Aigner Chocolates is not far behind, having been founded in 1930.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA MEDITZ EXCEPT TOP CENTER, COURTESY JIM AZZARA

“Eileen Arabian of Dee’s and I came together and we saw a need to unite the business owners, support one another, network and preserve the richness and uniqueness of what Metropolitan Avenue has to offer,” Kellner said, referring to the Italian restaurant at the eastern end of the commercial area. “There’s a real camaraderie among the business owners. We support each other whether it’s through school fundraising, coat and toy drives, trash cleanups and partnerships between the businesses and the schools, organizations and nonprofits. That makes this neighborhood especially unique.”

Each year, Metro Village presents a Community Day event, where residents and visitors alike can participate in a scavenger hunt, play games and meet small business owners.

Some residents enjoy the peaceful nature of Metropolitan Avenue and the sense of community it has to offer.

“Metropolitan Avenue has such a dramatically different vibe from Austin Street,” said Stuart Morrison, a resident of Forest Hills. “I often walk down Ascan Avenue from Austin to Metropolitan. When I get to Metropolitan, it’s like I’m in a different world of a small town with more of the storefront architecture from many years ago surrounded by private homes.”

He feels certain businesses, such as Eddie’s Sweet Shop, will never need a modern renovation, and the feeling of standing still in time is what makes much of the avenue a pleasant place to Q spend time.

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45th Anniversary Edition

Serving up tradition at Sal’s Pizza Woodhaven favorite has triumphed in the face of adversity

by Kristen Guglielmo

Brienza was a beloved figure in Woodhaven, having grown up in the area. Notably, he donated pizNear the intersection of 85th zas to first responders during HurStreet and Jamaica Avenue in ricane Sandy relief efforts. During Woodhaven, you’ll find a few the Covid pandemic, the pizzeria remained open, adding no-contact bodegas, the J train stop and a place that plenty of residents deliveries as an option.

“Dominick went out of his way would call some of the best pizza to be kind. I went in once and in the area.

Sal’s Pizza is a no-frills estab- ordered and after the pizza was in lishment with plenty of options. the oven, I realized I was walking You can dine in or take out, grab a around without my wallet,” slice or order an Italian restaurant- DiMarco said, “and he recognized style meal. The sauce is made me from when I used to go there with my mom, and he from tomatoes ground told me not to worry in-house, and glutenabout it.” free diners can opt for a CLASSIC Manager Debra Magcauliflower crust. gio, a longtime employ“When I was away at SLICES ee, told the Chronicle college, I would text that there was actually my parents and tell never an owner named them I was craving Sal: The reason why the Sal’s. One time they shop was named Sal’s is picked me up from JFK with a pizza box in the car,” said because a man named Sal lent the resident Jessica DiMarco, who original owner the money to get it has lived in Woodhaven her started. Brienza purchased the pizwhole life, but briefly attended zeria later down the line.

The current owner is his college out of state.

“I went to elementary school widow, Andrea Rubino Brienza, two blocks away, and after school, who initially struggled with my mom used to stop at Sal’s to maintaining business after her husband’s death. In July 2022, she get us lunch,” she said.

Sal’s Pizza has long been con- posted on Woodhaven Facebook sidered a staple in Woodhaven, groups saying as much.

“Many of you are questioning serving its community for 63 if we will stay open, if the food years and counting.

Part of its popularity can be will stay the same,” she wrote. “I am trying very hard to keep it attributed to Dominick Brienza, who owned the pizzeria for nearly open. The majority of the employ20 years and passed away in the ees are staying and trying to keep Dom’s legacy and memory alive, summer of 2022.

Associate Editor

Dominick Brienza, who bought Sal’s Pizza almost 20 years ago. When he passed away two summers ago, the pizzeria almost closed for good.

Sal’s Pizza, located at 85-07 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven, has been serving PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO up classic New York slices for over 60 years. as we all loved him so much. Our Pizza Makers feel they cannot go on working without Dom’s presence and are leaving us this week.

We are having a hard time finding replacements.” She wrote that if they could not find those replacements, the pizzeria would have to close.

During those weeks in summer 2022, the hours of operation would change often due to staffing issues. The small number of employees who remained had to band together and work almost constantly. Weeks later, on July 29, Brienza gave the community a sad update.

“Well, friends and neighbors, we are officially closed until further notice. Having had no luck in hiring mature, reliable, dependable pizza makers, I have no choice,” Brienza wrote. “If and when I can accomplish what seems to be a Herculean task, we will be open again.”

The comments section reflected the magnitude of the loss.

Then, on Aug. 4, Brienza announced that the hard work from herself and her employees, specifically Maggio, had paid off, and that the pizzeria would be open every day from there on out.

Maggio detailed the struggles to the Chronicle, saying, “Between Covid and losing a pizza man and

being unable to find pizza men that wanted to work and stay, we couldn’t make bills. We couldn’t make ends meet. We were lucky to keep afloat.”

She said during that time, employees worked all day: from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and she often went into other pizzerias, unapologetically searching for pizza makers to help keep Sal’s in business.

Maggio’s love for the pizzeria stems from her appreciation for the Brienza family: Even now, she

refers to the late owner as “dad,” though there’s no blood relation.

“Every morning, I come in and I say, ‘Good morning’ to him,” she said, gesturing to a framed picture of Dominick Brienza. “Then when I go home, I say, ‘Goodnight’ to him.”

Today, Sal’s remains a charming neighborhood establishment.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) have both publicly lauded the business. The pizzeria touts new meal deals and specials, and often partners with the community for events.

Additionally, Sal’s has a program for children: Kids who draw a picture for the pizzeria to hang on the wall get a free slice.

Maggio said the recipes used remain the same: Sal’s still uses the original ingredients that Woodhaven residents know and love.

As for the future, Maggio is busying herself working on new ideas and recipes, toying with the idea of staying open later and adding an Alfredo sauce to the menu.

In the future, she’d like to have a North Shore Animal Truck outside to do spays and neuters, and have some of the pizzeria’s proceeds go toward the cause.

Maggio is also maintaining close connections with her regulars, as Brienza did before her.

“It’s a family-run business, so we’re going to keep it going,” she said. “Keep it going for the neighQ borhood, for the community.”

Pizza maker Roberto and manager Debra Maggio hard at work, serving up freshly prepared food.

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The Lewis Latimer House Museum Celebrating a Renaissance man

by Naeisha Rose

raised his daughters there with his wife [Mary Wilson] ... and he added an addition to the house, which was his personal lab.”

Latimer lived in the white section of The Lewis Latimer House Museum in Flushing, and as someone who challenged Flushing is a true reflection of the person it discrimination, he became one of the foundhonors.

Its mission to be a space for science, tin- ing members of the Unitarian Universalist kering, art and inclusion is emblematic of Congregation of Queens, a church that was Lewis Harold Latimer, born Sept. 4, 1848 in racially integrated, according to the city Parks Department and Rutgers Chelsea, Mass., to escaped slaves, University’s School of Arts and George and Rebecca Latimer. He ICONIC Sciences. He also taught English was a self-taught mechanical and mechanical drawing to Irish drafter and engineer who worked INVENTOR immigrants, who weren’t considfor the likes of Alexander Graered white at the time, Yan added. ham Bell, Thomas Edison and His home, a two-and-a-half Hiram Maxim, people whose story Victorian, was sold after his innovations he improved upon death and faced demolition in while becoming an inventor in his own right. He also joined the Union 1988, when residents formed a “Save the Latimer House Committee,” Yan said. It Navy at 15, serving in the Civil War. His life and legacy were marked with cel- was headed by his grandchildren, Winifred ebrations for his 175th birthday this year at Latimer Norman and Gerald Norman. The the eponymously named house, Ran Yan, house was saved, and was moved a mile and a half, in 1989. the LLHM executive director, said.

His grandchildren strived to preserve the “Latimer bought the house in 1900 and house so that his work in making drawings lived there from 1902 until his death in 1928,” Yan told the Chronicle. “He basically of Bell’s telephone patents, along with his Associate Editor

Congratulations to the Queens Chronicle on your 45 th Anniversary. Thank you for the years of reporting and service to the community.

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The Lewis Latimer House Museum will reopen in spring 2024, showcasing the eponymous inventor’s poems.

PHOTOS COURTESY LLHM

contributions developing longer-lasting carbon filaments and light bulbs, for Maxim and Edison, respectively, while also being the forefather of the air conditioner, would not be lost to history, Yan said.

“He was at the forefront and development of electric lighting in his early age,” she said.

Latimer was also dubbed a “Renaissance man” because he was a passionate artist and poet, as well, the LLHM executive director added.

“We have original artifacts, including paintings and drawings done by Lewis Latimer,” she said. “We also have an original poetry book that his children published for him.”

The museum, located at 34-41 137 St., is typically open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but is closed at the moment as a new exhibit is being installed.

It will reopen in spring 2024, but in the meantime, immersive, educational activities for children and families are being offered

via the Mobile Lewis Latimer Lab at schools and at various branches of the Queens Public Library.

“The kids do a circuitry activity ... and they do a scavenger hunt where they learn about ... his history,” Yan said.

“In the new exhibition next year, we have a poetry machine where people can read Lewis Latimer’s poems and also hear them read out loud in different languages,” she continued. “We focus on ... science, technology, engineering, art and math education because Lewis Latimer was such a champion between the connection of science and art.”

To learn more about those programs and others, call (718) 961-8585 or send an email to info@lewislatimerhouse.org.

“He was an incredible trailblazer and he was also very talented, not only inventing but in other aspects in the arts,” Yan said. “I think he embodies a lot of the newer movements in STEAM education before it became a thing ... and the Black is beautiful Q movement.”

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45th Anniversary Edition

153 years of Ebenezer Baptist Queens’ oldest Baptist church has storied history

marks Preservation Commission. The house was deemed a landmark in 1995.

In 1994, the church celebrated the tricentenial of Black people living in Flushing, As the oldest Baptist church in Queens, per a 1694 census. Ebenezer even received it’s no surprise that Flushing’s own Ebenezer a letter from then-President Clinton, conBaptist Church, founded in 1870, has a rich gratulating the church on the milestone and history of its own. the celebration.

That’s clear from the moment one walks At a certain point, it became necessary to in the door. The walls are covered in refer to Mitchell as Rev. Timothy P. Mitchell framed photographs of the church’s pastors, — not only did his son, Timothy I. Mitchell, documents regarding the history of Flushbecome an associate pastor at Ebenezer, but ing’s Black community and plaques honorat times, the elder Mitchell was confused ing various members of the church. On the with the Rev. Timothy Mitchell at Antioch back wall of the church’s sanctuary hangs a Baptist Church in Jamaica, according to a time capsule, compiled by members in 2003 New York Daily News article.

2000. Church historian and longtime memMembers of Ebenezer joined Flushing ber Gails Bridges said she’s looking foractivist Mandingo Osceola Tshaka in the ward to opening it come 2025. (She beamed fight to recognize the approximately 1,000 when she noted that the lettering on the Black people and Native Americans whose front of the time capsule had been painted bodies were buried under what was then by her daughter.) called the Martin’s Field Playground. Some But over the years, Ebenezer has also sent letters to area elected officials, urging become deeply ingrained in Queens’ own Flushing’s Ebenezer Baptist Church is the oldest Baptist church in Queens at 153 years old. It them to remove the playground and replace history, particularly when it came to uplift- has been at its current home on Prince Street for roughly 50 years.

PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY it with a memorial. Ultimately, Tshaka ing the borough’s Black community and the worked to broker a compromise, under the leadership of likely the church’s most ough called Queens, and I want to go to that fight for civil rights more broadly.

While the church has always been on well-known pastor in its 153 years, the Rev. Ebenezer.’” From there, the two reverends which the playground would remain and a Timothy P. Mitchell. According to Mobley, developed a friendship. Mitchell would go memorial would be built at the park. That Prince Street near Northern Boulevard, the on to lead the New York chapter of the Poor was officially unveiled in 2021.

Mitchell wanted the church to have the tallbuilding itself has gone through three differNeither Latimer nor Tshaka had any affilPeople’s Campaign. ent iterations. Before the first went up, est steeple in all of Queens.

But Mitchell’s involvement — and by iation with Ebenezer. But that did not matter Why? Just because he could? “That’s a Bridges told the Chronicle, services and meetings were held at members’ homes, good way of putting it,” Mobley said, though extension, the church’s — with the Civil to Mitchell, Bridges said; in his view, supmany of whom lived or had businesses along it’s not clear if the steeple actually is the tall- Rights Movement was not limited to the porting Black people in Queens was the natnational push. He and members became ural thing to do. While sometimes that Prince Street, Main Street, Northern Boule- est in the World’s Borough. meant organizing marches, other times that Known for his work at the church and as a active in a number of Queens efforts, as well. vard and College Point Boulevard.

In 1972, Mitchell advocated for the con- meant providing hot meals to the needy. civil rights activist, Mitchell came to EbeneThe church’s first edifice was built under Over his 46 years in the role, Mitchell struction of a low-income housing complex the Rev. J.C. Brown, who was pastor there zer as an infant (he was even baptized there), had become known as the “Prince of Prince between 1907 and 1913, according to one as his father, the Rev. James Mitchell, served in Forest Hills; the controversial project was as the church’s pastor. The elder Mitchell viewed as a symbol of the predominantly Street,” Bridges said. As she put it in a previchurch document summarizing the congrewould hold that post for 17 years. white and Jewish neighborhood’s resistance ous interview with the Chronicle, “[Mitchgation’s history. But that did not ell] would walk down the street and could Meanwhile, Mitchell grew up in to integration. When future Gov. Mario last long, per the same document CIVIL the community, attending Flushing Cuomo, then a young lawyer whom Mayor talk to anybody ... “He asked you to do — within a decade of its estabQ High School, Queens College and Lindsay appointed to assess the controversy, things for the church — you did them.” lishment, the building was RIGHTS New York University Seminary. A put forth a compromise that would cut the destroyed in a fire; the Rev. W.J. number of Mitchell family photos size of the three proposed buildings in half, Lucas was pastor at the time. The hang on the wall near the landing Mitchell made his opposition known at a church was rebuilt for $6,000 City Hall hearing on the project. The next of the church’s lower level. (which is equivalent to more than day, Sept. 21, 1972, an unhappy Mitchell After serving in the Korean $120,000 today). That building, 36-06 Prince St., is next door to Ebenezer’s War, Mitchell returned to Ebenezer in 1961 could be seen toward the back of a photo on home today, located at 36-12 Prince St.; to become the church’s pastor. Around that the front page of The New York Times.

According to Bridges, Mitchell was conEbenezer’s former building is now occupied time, Mitchell marched with the Albany Freedom Movement, an early effort in the stantly leading marches in the streets of by the Queens Baptist Church.

Flushing, always with his signature bullhorn The church moved into its current home Civil Rights Movement led by the Student in approximately 1974, — or “marched in,” Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the in hand. The bullhorn has become a prized as both Bridges and the Rev. Carlton Mobley NAACP and, later, King’s own Southern artifact of Ebenezer’s; according to Mobley, it went unused from the time of Mitchell’s Christian Leadership Conference. put it many times.

And while he was once even jailed with passing in 2012 to this past summer, when “In the Black Baptist church tradition, the church celebrated the 10th anniversary of when they build a new building, they’ll go King during that effort, according to Moboutside, go down the block just a little bit to ley, that’s not how Mitchell came to know a street co-naming in his honor.

When the home of Lewis Latimer — then say they ‘marched in’ there,” Mobley said the civil rights hero. Mobley said he’d been told the story by the Rev. Al Sharpton. on Kissena Boulevard and Holly Avenue — when asked about the turn of phrase. “People like to say, ‘We marched in,’ I mean, it’s “Everybody wanted to get to know who Tim faced the possibility of being torn down for right next door — you really didn’t march,” Mitchell was,” Mobley said. Plus, King was development in 1988, Mitchell helped form he said with a chuckle. He suspected the a pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in the Committee to Save the Latimer House, Atlanta, Mobley noted. So while on a trip to and ultimately got it moved to the intersec- The Rev. Timothy P. Mitchell was known for his term originated, in one form or another, with New York, Sharpton told Mobley, “[King] tion of Leavitt Street and 137th Street, civil rights activism as Ebenezer’s longtime the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. PHOTO BY LIZ RHOADES / FILE pastor. said, ‘I want to go to this church in your bor- according to a document from the LandThe new church building was built under

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45th Anniversary Edition

Let us cater to you here in Queens Neir’s Tavern, Thomasina’s Catering Hall and Don Peppe

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

If you are looking for a community-oriented tavern, a venue to celebrate milestones or a family-friendly Italian restaurant, Queens has got you covered.

Neir’s Tavern, Thomasina’s Catering Hall and Don Peppe, located in Woodhaven, St. Albans and South Ozone Park, respectively, are among the institutions that have been in the borough for decades, and the people behind them intend for these establishments to be mainstays for many more years to come.

Neir’s Tavern, owned by Loycent Gordon, marked its 194th anniversary on Oct. 7.

“We are on the road to reach 200 years,” Gordon told the Chronicle. “One of the things that we do is have the Neir’s Ambassadors Awards Ceremony.”

Every year, people receive a preservation, advocacy, community service and ambassador of the year award, said Gordon.

“The community service award is for people that hand out food and help with fundraising for the community and we also have an ambassador of the year, someone that goes above and beyond in making sure that Neir’s Tavern is resilient.”

The event also includes a community block party outside the tavern, which is located at 87-48 78 St., and it features a Hobby Horse Race that highlight’s the establishments beginnings as a watering hole for the old Union Course Racetrack.

According to multiple archives, 78th and 82nd streets and Jamaica and Atlantic avenues bound the racetrack from 1821 to 1888, and it became a lot for new housing. It was a nationally famous track known for having the first dirt course, which resulted in greater speeds for the horses.

“People have the horse with the sticks and they trot down the street,” Gordon said. “Kids do it and adults do it. This year, we had several elected officials and gave out several citations to the honorees.”

When it was founded in 1829, the tavern was called The Old Pump Blue House. It was then the Old Abbey Bar in 1835, Neir’s Social Hall in 1898, the Union Course Bar in the 1970s and then Gordon changed it to Neir’s Tavern when he bought it in 2009.

“It’s living, breathing history,” he said. Actress Mae West was said to have been a vaudeville act at the social hall. Hollywood icon Robert De Niro and other stars from “GoodFellas,” along with Ben Stiller and his cast mates from “Tower Heist,” had scenes shot there. “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” also featured the Woodhaven spot in its ninth season that highlighted Queens cuisines.

“Anthony ... sought us out,” Gordon said. “He had a steak sandwich ... He was so relaxed and so real.”

If interested in visiting the tavern, Gordon suggests that peo-

Seating at Thomasina’s Catering Hall in St. Albans and baked clams from Don Peppe restaurant in South Ozone Park.

PHOTOS COURTESY THOMASINA’S CATERING HALL AND DON PEPPE

named, is having the place renovated and the work will likely be completed some time in 2024.

“She has kept all the same employees,” including operational manager Tony Williams, McMillian said about the new owner.

Next Thursday, there will be a Thanksgiving feast and an R&B performance by Debbie Knapper and Knappertime Band from 2 to 6 p.m.

To learn more about the holiday event or to have one’s catering needs met in the future, call (718) 525-5273.

Some notable entertainers and guests have included Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review, the Stylistics, Jerry Butler, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Blue Magic, Howard Hewett, Shep and the Limelites, along with the Rev. Al Sharpton, and Mayors Bloomberg and Giuliani. The family of Sean Bell and state Sen. Malcolm Smith held meetings there concerning Bell’s shooting, according to McMillian.

“We are known as the community banquet catering hall,” McMillian said. “Even though Mr. Williams retired, we pray everyone will still support us ... We all are still here. The management hasn’t changed and the cook hasn’t changed.”

Don Peppe is a third-generation family-run business that The Old Abbey Bar after it was sold to the Neir family; inset, a Goodfellas Burger and Loycent Gordon. PHOTOS COURTESY NEIR’S TAVERN originated in Brooklyn in the 1940s, but moved to Queens in 1968 after a wave of people started to leave the former borough for other states. ple try the award-winning Goodfellas burger.

“We’ve been here for 53 years now,” said owner Mike DeLu“We also have our signature Haymaker Punch, a cocktail that ca Sr. “My father started the business ... our regular customers was a premiere drink for early American farmers ... and I added moved to Florida and he decided to move to Queens and see Jamaican rum to it because of my background.”

Neir’s has an Ambassador’s Club and will be opening appli- what’s what. Thank God it turned out very good.”

His two sons, Michael Jr. and John, help him run the business cations for its 195th anniversary committee next month. It is and his nephew, Michael Agnello, is the chef. also accepting preorders for Thanksgiving food deliveries. To “We mostly cater to the racetrack,” DeLuca said. “I’ve got all learn more about the tavern, the club or to make a preorder, the jockeys, the trainers, the owners and the regular people from email info@neirstavern.com. the neighborhood. We are five minutes from Aqueduct Race Thomasina’s Catering Hall is two years shy of its 30th anniversary, said its longtime manager Vivian McMillian, who has Track.”

If you stop by Don Peppe, which is located at 135-58 Lefferts been there all 28 years.

Blvd., you’ll see be pictures of jockeys’ silk shirts and horses She said the former owner, Frank William Sr., retired. throughout, DeLuca told the Chronicle.

“I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and “Our most popular dish is the baked clams, our encouragement we’ve received from our cherished No. 2 is shrimp Luciano,” he said. “We also got the customers throughout the years,” Williams said at his veal Don Peppe. It’s crushed veal with tomatoes and retirement party on July 31.

LOCAL onions.”

Williams received citations from the St. Albans VENUES Don Peppe also serves California house wine, Civic Improvement Association, state Sen. Leroy beer and soda.

Comrie (D-St. Albans), U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks “The house wine gets a nine out of 10,” DeLuca (D-Jamaica) and Councilwomen Nantasha Williams said.

(D-St. Albans) and Selvena Brooks-Powers Over the years, the family has served people from (D-Laurelton). varying backgrounds ranging from Italian to German Initially, Williams had a flea market, then a groto Irish to Indian to East Asian and more. cery store at the spot before he transformed it in 1995 into an “Everybody comes in,” DeLuca said. “I’m also near the casievents venue, located at 205-35 Linden Blvd., McMillian said. no, so we serve whoever comes in. So far they all love it ... We “He wanted something that would be nice in our community,” McMillian told the Chronicle. “The catering hall is named got people coming from Northern Boulevard to people from Canal Street and Brooklyn.” after his first wife who passed away.”

The restaurant’s proximity to JFK Airport has also brought in Over the years, wedding receptions, retirement parties, prayer a slew of celebrities. breakfasts, community service events, talent shows, repasts and “There’s been so many, it’s not funny,” he said. “Joe Montamore have been held at the catering hall. no, Dan Marino ... we had Barbara Streisand years ago and Pris“The 113th Precinct does its Christmas party here every cilla Presley.” year,” McMillian said. “We do everything you can think of for Muhammad Ali has also eaten at Don Peppe. the community.”

“He was one of the best boxers,” DeLuca said. “Everybody is Thomasina’s does not have a set menu as it has a diverse just looking for good food. They get off the plane from Califorclientele. nia and then come right in.”

“Our community has so many nationalities,” she said. “We He said that he has more than 30 items of different pastas, are able to prepare Caribbean, Southern, Indian, vegan, vegetarmeats and fish and people should come by for whatever they are ian, gluten-free and K kosher cuisine ... anything they want, we in the mood for. do.”

“We’ve been at the same spot for 53 years,” said DeLuca, who The manager said Thomasina’s has two exquisite banquet will turn 80 on Dec. 4. “So far, so good ... I thank God when I halls, one that fits 270 people and another that fits 80 people.

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45th Anniversary Edition

Jahn’s: history & the Kitchen Sink

Jackson Heights ice cream parlor, restaurant has 1890s roots

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

If you grew up in Queens in the 1970s or 1980s, it wouldn’t have been uncommon to go on a first date or celebrate a birthday or a win in a youth baseball or soccer game at Jahn’s, where ice cream concoctions and hamburgers were two of the four major food groups.

Founded in the Bronx by John Jahn 1897, the shop eventually had locations in Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Jackson Heights, Flushing and Forest Hills. It also had four sites in Brooklyn, and more in the Fordham section of the Bronx, Nassau and Suffolk counties, and two each in New Jersey and Florida.

Nick and Peter Moukas own the last one, located at 81-04 37 Ave. in Jackson Heights.

And they are as aware of the tradition they are upholding as any of their customers.

“My father, Tom, bought it in 1970,” Nick Moukas said. “He had been working here since 1960. This was a franchise. It was never one of the restaurants owned by the Jahn family.”

Say Jahn’s to anyone above a certain age and they think ice cream. Think Jahn’s ice cream and thoughts go immediately to one thing — the famous Kitchen Sink sundae.

As ever, the menu says it serves eight — think the starting lineup for the New York Rangers, and you’re still two people short.

The recipe, Moukas said, is mostly simple.

“Take a scoop of just about every flavor ice cream,” he said. “Except mint — we don’t use mint unless you ask for it, because once mint ice cream starts to melt everything tastes like mint. Add just about every topping and you have a Kitchen Sink.”

Moukas acknowledges, with a smile and

Nick Moukas, who owns Jahn’s with his brother, Peter, shows off family history and Queens hisPHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON tory, including the restaurant’s traditionally ornate chandeliers.

a hint of possible trade secrets, that it is not demographic changes since Tom Moukas exactly that simple. But a new employee first strapped on an apron nearly 64 years wouldn’t really require a security clearance go. His son said the restaurant hasn’t adoptto make a Kitchen Sink. ed much of the ethnic cuisine that has been “Either my brother or I are usually here,” booming in the neighborhood, though as he said. “One of us will usually with any business, there have make it.” been some changes.

SWEET And on a dessert menu with the “My father did add things to Kitchen Sink and other considerthe menu that made it more of a DREAMS ably smaller confectionery crediner, along with the traditional ations, he does have a personal Jahn’s menu.” favorite.

Breakfast, wraps and sand“The Chocolate Pecan Shortwiches for just about any palate ie,” he said. “Chocolate ice cream, are available along with the longhot fudge, whipped cream, chocolate sprintime favorite burgers and entrees. kles and pecans,” he said.

In November 2007, the Chronicle wrote Jackson Heights has undergone massive about the closure of the Richmond Hill Jahn’s at 117-03 Hillside Ave. “Although it had been open since the 1930s, its nickelodeon piano, brass and copper soda fountains and many of its light fixtures and antiques dated back to the early 1900s,” Joseph Wendelken reported.

“Former South Queens residents came from as far as New Jersey and Florida to eat there. Aside from ice cream, Jahn’s featured sandwiches and other food.

“According to Nancy Cataldi, president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society, the light fixtures and many other valuable Jahn’s antiques were sold to a bidder in the Midwest. The sweet shop’s stained-glass windows were also sold ... Many always knew that Jahn’s was the place to be on your birthday, where you got a free ice cream sundae.

“In years past, teenagers piled into the eatery after taking in movies at RKO Keith’s in Richmond Hill next door. Diners often carved their initials or the initials of a sweetheart into Jahn’s wooden booths and Jahn’s on Hillside Avenue in Richmond Hill was a popular stop before or after taking in a movie tables.”

NYC PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL PERLMAN at the RKO Keith’s Theater.

And while the younger crowd or new visitors may just think of it as a nice restaurant, Moukas said people still are aware of the history behind the name on the traditional red awning out front, the distinctive chandeliers, the Kitchen Sinks and the interior woodwork.

“Some of our employees have been here 20 years,” he said. “They know our customers, our regulars. Some of our customers are third-generation — they bring their children and grandchildren.”

It is something in which Moukas takes immense pride.

“About seven years go, there was a couple sitting in a booth,” he said. “The called me over and asked if I was the owner.’

Originally from the city, the couple lived upstate.

“They said it was their 50th anniversary,” Moukas said. “He asked how she wanted to celebrate. Their first date was at a Jahn’s in Brooklyn. She said she wanted to go to Jahn’s, and they Googled us.

“They even ordered the same things they had on their first date.”

More recently a Queens native and Little League baseball player who relocated to Denver, but brought his love of baseball with him, was back in the World’s Borough with a Little League team from his adopted state that was on a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in upstate Cooperstown.

“He told me that as soon as they landed at LaGuardia, he wanted to bring the team to Jahn’s,” Moukas said.

“Because that’s what his coaches always did.”

Author’s note: So did the coaches in LevQ ittown, LI.

The doors at 81-04 37 Ave. open up on great food, legendary ice cream and a little bit of PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON Queens history.

Icy treats at Lemon Ice King of Corona Serving the public since 1944

by Kristen Guglielmo

“I had been working for him around 10 years at that point,” he said. “I was his No. 1 man.”

Reflecting on how he keeps business afloat At the end of the opening sequence to the 1998 sitcom “The King of Queens,” Kevin year-round among the competitors, Zampino said, “First and foremost, it’s about quality.

James can be seen comically dropping a And being nice to our customers so they come scoop of Italian ice.

The storefront is The Lemon Ice King of back.” And they do come back: Zampino said Corona, founded by Nicola Benfaremo in 1944. generations of people frequent the establishAnd if you look closely, you’ll see Michael ment, often bringing their children, saying they Zampino, the shop’s current owner, scooping used to come when they were kids themselves.

Even at 11 a.m. on a chilly weekday, the the treat in the background.

“I was just a neighborhood kid that got a shop saw regular customers popping up at the window to order and greet job,” Zampino said. “[BenfareZampino and staff. mo’s] son, Pete, was in the service FROZEN The Italian ices are available in in World War II and when he dozens flavors, of which — of came back, he took the business DELIGHTS course —of lemon is the most poputo the next level. And I worked lar. The menu touts traditional for him as a kid.” offerings, like cherry and coconut, The Lemon Ice King of Corobut also has more unusual options, na, located at 52-02 108 St., is like licorice, rum raisin and coffee. known as an institution of the “The hidden gem is the peanut butter,” area. Queens residents show up even in the Zampino said. “People make faces when cold for a scoop of Italian ice.

Asked how he became owner, Zampino said they hear peanut butter, but they end up realPete hand-picked him once he decided to sell ly liking it.”

Notably, the treats manage to somehow be the business after his wife got sick.

Associate Editor

Michael Zampino, owner of The Lemon Ice King of Corona, has been part of the business for decades, initially working for the original owners, the Benfaremo family. PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO creamy while being dairy-free and still having a classically icy consistency.

“I don’t want to call it a secret, but that’s our secret,” Zampino said. “It’s the consistency.”

The shop also gets a lot of German tourists, Zampino said, due to “The King of Queens”

being widely syndicated in the country.

Asked what he hopes for the future, Zampino said it’s that business picks up. “Mother Nature is the silent partner here,” he said.

“When it starts getting cold, business slows Q down. So let’s hope she works with us.”

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45th Anniversary Edition

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45th Anniversary Edition

The many monuments of FMCP

Some of the park’s relics are better known than others

by Sophie Krichevsky

time of the 1964 World’s Fair, where several rocket ships are still displayed.

Space exploration being en vogue Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s most famous monument is, without at the time, and the nation embarkquestion, the Unisphere, to the ing on President Kennedy’s mission to get to the moon, the final frontier extent that it has become practically was a key theme at the 1964 World’s synonymous with the park itself.

But Gilmore Clarke’s prized work Fair. Its works of art were no is just one of a number of monu- exception.

In addition to “Forms in Transit,” ments throughout the park, each that also included “Rocket Thrower.” with a deep history of its own.

De Lue’s piece stands at a whopping According to Jonathan Kuhn, director of arts and antiquities for 42.5 feet tall, and according to Kuhn, is the tallest sculpture in the the Department of Parks and Recreation, the vast majority of Flushing city limits (he was sure to note that Meadows Corona Park’s 21 monu- the Statue of Liberty, though taller, ments are related to either the 1939 is in New York Harbor). The sculpor 1964 World’s Fair, though more of ture shows a larger-than-life figure them to the latter. While some of who is — as the name would suggest those works of art were meant to last — throwing a rocket into the sky. Its only the duration of the fair, Kuhn location in the park in the Court of said, others were commissioned with Astronauts, with the Fountain of the the intention that they would remain Planets separating it from the Unisphere, again reinforces that space in the park permanently.

The latter includes Theodore theme. According to Kuhn, the statRoszak’s “Forms in Transit,” Jose de ue was restored in 2013 to see to Rivera’s “Free Form,” Marshall some stability concerns, and the Fredericks’ “Freedom of the Human bronze surface is waxed every three Spirit,” Donald De Lue’s “Rocket to four years.

“Freedom of the Human Spirit” Thrower” and Paul Manship’s depicts male and female nude fig“Armillary Sphere.”

“Forms in Transit” depicts a rock- ures with wild swans soaring into the air. The 28-foot-tall sculpture et ship coming back to Earth, passing through the hot layers of the was originally placed in what was atmosphere. According to Kuhn, called the Court of States, but Kuhn said it was moved as a result of the parts of the surface of the sculpture appear to be blistered so as to give redesign of the United States Tennis Center in 1996. Now, it sits near the the effect of soaring through the atmosphere. On the grounds of what Unisphere.

“Free Form” is, by far, the most is now the New York Hall of Science, “Forms in Transit” is in Rock- abstract of the five commissioned et Park, known as Space Park at the works. A stainless steel arc on a Associate Editor

While the Unisphere is the most well-known relic of the 1964 World’s Fair, it is the first among many scattered FILE PHOTO throughout Flushing Meadows Corona Park. granite base, the sculpture — also known as “Form,” Kuhn said — contains a motor inside that allows it to slowly rotate. De Rivera was “a pretty significant modernist who was interested in sort of spatial relationships between sculpture and its environment,” Kuhn said. “There’s no one side that you look at that piece from that’s meant to be seen in the round — it’s almost like a gesture into the air.”

De Rivera also contributed to the 1939 World’s Fair with an installation of three rows of stainless steel

Donald De Lue’s “Rocket Thrower,” at left, was one of five monuments commissioned for the 1964 World’s Fair that was intended to outlast the festival itself. The New Amsterdam Entrance to the park, at right, features the names of FILE PHOTO, LEFT, AND NYC PARKS PHOTO all the heads of state who attended the two World’s Fairs in New York.

flags; that did not stay at FMCP around 2007, leaving his department to pick up the pieces — literally. after the fair.

Though Manship’s “Armillary “We were able to recover this piece Sphere” was intended to be at the of stone that was sheared off,” he park permanently, it did not remain explained. “We were able to sort of that way: In the 1970s, eight of the epoxy it back in and repaired it with spherical sculpture’s 12 pieces fea- mortar dust and rebuilt that section.”

That took a few weeks for Kuhn’s turing the zodiac signs were stolen.

The remaining pieces of the sculp- team to do.

Another World’s Fair-related relic ture were stolen in 1980. While two of them were found in 1990, and is the Police World’s Fair plaque, which is outside the Queens MuseKuhn said another was later on, the remaining nine have never been um. The plaque honors NYPD Dets.

Joseph Lynch and Ferdinand Socha, recovered.

Many of the notable sculptures who, as part of the Bomb and Forgstill in FMCP can be seen on sea- ery Squad, were tasked with defusing a bomb at the British sonal tours led by the Pavilion in 1940; they Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park, THE PARK’S were killed when the device went off. which will start up again PAST Though it is not affilinext year. ated with either of the Some monuments in World’s Fairs, Kuhn also the park were not built highlighted “Soul in for either the 1939 or Flight,” the monument 1964 World’s Fairs, but commemorate them in some way. dedicated to legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe outside the tennis cenThe Henry Hudson Entrance, located at 111th Street and 56th Avenue, ter. Despite being cast in 2000 — is one such example, and has two years after the 1964 World’s Fair — pillars, one of which is engraved Kuhn said it fits in well with many with the years the World’s Fair has of those commissioned at the time. been held at Flushing Meadows “It’s certainly not a literal representation of Arthur Ashe ... there’s no Corona Park. The New Amsterdam Entrance, which is along Shea Road, tennis racquet. It is in the gesture of a serve, but’s more that he’s holding north of the tennis center, also has two pillars, and one is engraved with his arm aloft,” Kuhn said. “It’s sort the names of the heads of state who of analogous to the pieces I’ve been visited the World’s Fairs. Kuhn said describing ... It’s the notion of that pillar was hit by a bus sometime stretching outward, of aspiration.” Q

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