2. Queens

Flushing Archives

The images in this gallery capture Flushing from the 1950's to the present. Many photos were taken from the same location over this span of time, they show both enduring landmarks and dramatic change. Since starting this site over 4 years ago I have been continuing to get a great response for pictures from my old home town, now averaging about 10,000-20,000 views a month. I will be revising an expanded version of a Flushing History photobook for 2013 so keep posted. Requests and comments are always welcome!
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  • View looking West on Northern Blvd. near Bowne Street, December 1973. In the background to the right you can see how large a neighborhood feature the RKO Keith’s building was and still is. At the entrance to Flushing, on the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Main Street it faces the war memorial monuments, landmark Quaker meeting house and Armory towers seen to the left. Also visible is the now gone Shea Stadium with the Serval Zipper clock tower in front. The distant Manhattan skyline speaks for itself.

    View looking West on Northern Blvd. near Bowne Street, December 1973. In the background to the right you can see how large a neighborhood feature the RKO Keith’s building was and still is. At the entrance to Flushing, on the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Main Street it faces the war memorial monuments, landmark Quaker meeting house and Armory towers seen to the left. Also visible is the now gone Shea Stadium with the Serval Zipper clock tower in front. The distant Manhattan skyline speaks for itself.

  • View looking West on Northern Blvd. near Bowne Street, February 2011.

    View looking West on Northern Blvd. near Bowne Street, February 2011.

  • Northern Blvd. looking West, December 1973. That's Ethan Allen Furniture, LUMS Chinese restaurant, Aqua Pet and Hobby Den, Bella Pizza and Robert Halls, across Union Street is HB Chevrolet on the left. In the far background is the Serval Zipper factory clock tower and behind that the late Shea Stadium. Detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#181969943_6Pti9

    Northern Blvd. looking West, December 1973. That's Ethan Allen Furniture, LUMS Chinese restaurant, Aqua Pet and Hobby Den, Bella Pizza and Robert Halls, across Union Street is HB Chevrolet on the left. In the far background is the Serval Zipper factory clock tower and behind that the late Shea Stadium. Detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#181969943_6Pti9

  • View looking SE from Northern Blvd. near Bowne Street. Taken during the Fall of 1973. B&A Furniture Discount Center (once an A&P supermarket), Stylist, Danny's Lounge (later Barbara's Lounge), Wash&Dry, F&M Quality Cleaners, Vinny's Pub, Back to Soil, L&L Delicatessen (formerly Coronet Deli), Marchese Bros. Pizza, Pagoda Food To Take Out, Custom Hearing Aids (still there!)

    View looking SE from Northern Blvd. near Bowne Street. Taken during the Fall of 1973. B&A Furniture Discount Center (once an A&P supermarket), Stylist, Danny's Lounge (later Barbara's Lounge), Wash&Dry, F&M Quality Cleaners, Vinny's Pub, Back to Soil, L&L Delicatessen (formerly Coronet Deli), Marchese Bros. Pizza, Pagoda Food To Take Out, Custom Hearing Aids (still there!)

  • December 1973, detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/NorthernBlvd2/181969845_ZZLpA-L-16.jpg

    December 1973, detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/NorthernBlvd2/181969845_ZZLpA-L-16.jpg

  • View looking NE from Northern Blvd near Bowne Street, November 2008.

    View looking NE from Northern Blvd near Bowne Street, November 2008.

  • View looking East from Q13 bus stop on Northern Blvd. and Bowne Street November 2008

    View looking East from Q13 bus stop on Northern Blvd. and Bowne Street November 2008

  • The apartment building on the South East corner of Northern Blvd. and Bowne Street, houses several business including a delicatessen, at the same location since the early 1930's, when this building was constructed. Operated by a German couple, as the Coronet Delicatessen in 1960, under the new owners but with the original sign, it has changed to the L&L Delicatessen by 1973. The upper right inset shows it as it remains today, still a delicatessen, an incredible run (for a Flushing store) of almost 80 years as the same function. The Candy & Soda store to the right, however changes to the Marchese Bros. Pizza and now the Woori Home Fashions.

    The apartment building on the South East corner of Northern Blvd. and Bowne Street, houses several business including a delicatessen, at the same location since the early 1930's, when this building was constructed. Operated by a German couple, as the Coronet Delicatessen in 1960, under the new owners but with the original sign, it has changed to the L&L Delicatessen by 1973. The upper right inset shows it as it remains today, still a delicatessen, an incredible run (for a Flushing store) of almost 80 years as the same function. The Candy & Soda store to the right, however changes to the Marchese Bros. Pizza and now the Woori Home Fashions.

  • This mural appeared on the West side of the LIRR Main Street overpass. Toward the top you can see the RKO Keiths depicted. Like the theatre itself this mural was in bad shape when I took the photo in July 2001. City Arts project #90, the artist who designed the mural was Eva Cockroft and it was done in the summer of 1982. It is now completely covered with street vendor displays. Who knows this might help to preserve what's left of it?

    This mural appeared on the West side of the LIRR Main Street overpass. Toward the top you can see the RKO Keiths depicted. Like the theatre itself this mural was in bad shape when I took the photo in July 2001. City Arts project #90, the artist who designed the mural was Eva Cockroft and it was done in the summer of 1982. It is now completely covered with street vendor displays. Who knows this might help to preserve what's left of it?

  • The East side of the LIRR Main Street overpass during a rare uncrowded moment, November 11, 2008.

    The East side of the LIRR Main Street overpass during a rare uncrowded moment, November 11, 2008.

  • Once the Flushing Town Hall opened in 1864, this photo was taken in April of 1975.

    Once the Flushing Town Hall opened in 1864, this photo was taken in April of 1975.

  • The incredible New York Institute of Anthropology Museum of Man. Like the RKO Keith's this public eyesore existed for some time before being completely renovated. Originally the Flushing Town Hall, this photo was taken in April of 1975.

    The incredible New York Institute of Anthropology Museum of Man. Like the RKO Keith's this public eyesore existed for some time before being completely renovated. Originally the Flushing Town Hall, this photo was taken in April of 1975.

  • The incredible Museum of Man: April 1975 - Every picture tells a story don't it

    The incredible Museum of Man: April 1975 - Every picture tells a story don't it

  • Detail: Flushing Town Hall as The Museum of Man (the words Man and Men appear in this image).

    Detail: Flushing Town Hall as The Museum of Man (the words Man and Men appear in this image).

  • Interior of the restored Town Hall July 2003.

    Interior of the restored Town Hall July 2003.

  • Flushing Town Hall, July 2003

    Flushing Town Hall, July 2003

  • Flushing Town Hall with the circa 1915 Telephone Building on the West side of Northern Blvd. reflected in the lower windows.

    Flushing Town Hall with the circa 1915 Telephone Building on the West side of Northern Blvd. reflected in the lower windows.

  • Town Hall, an exception among Flushing Landmarks, was completely remodeled in 1995. Seen here from the back looking from Linden Place and 35th Avenue. At the intersection of Northern Blvd. you can make out the 1915 Telephone Exchange building and the 1866 Civil War Memorial. Taken on November 11, 2008.

    Town Hall, an exception among Flushing Landmarks, was completely remodeled in 1995. Seen here from the back looking from Linden Place and 35th Avenue. At the intersection of Northern Blvd. you can make out the 1915 Telephone Exchange building and the 1866 Civil War Memorial. Taken on November 11, 2008.

  • Flushing High School, Tower from November 1973

    Flushing High School, Tower from November 1973

  • Entrance to Flushing High School auditorium, from November 1973. Gargoyles surround the top.

    Entrance to Flushing High School auditorium, from November 1973. Gargoyles surround the top.

  • Detail from: http://wideimaging.smugmug.com/gallery/3273609_SVoat#201094835_aZKy6 shows graffiti names: Josie, Smitty, Betty, Joan 34 (from 34th Ave. ?) + Donald. Sign reads: Warning students in vicinity of school or trespassing on school property are subject to arrest for disorderly conduct Photo from November 1973

    Detail from: http://wideimaging.smugmug.com/gallery/3273609_SVoat#201094835_aZKy6 shows graffiti names: Josie, Smitty, Betty, Joan 34 (from 34th Ave. ?) + Donald. Sign reads: Warning students in vicinity of school or trespassing on school property are subject to arrest for disorderly conduct Photo from November 1973

  • Some of the stores on Northern Blvd, December 1973 Detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/gallery/3273609_SVoat#216244844_55oiv

    Some of the stores on Northern Blvd, December 1973 Detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/gallery/3273609_SVoat#216244844_55oiv

  • This 1930's building on the South West corner of Main St. and 39th Ave once housed Jacy's Billiard Academy (39-02 Main St) pool hall. A smoke filled old world place with billiard and pool tables on the second floor. 7/2/2009

    This 1930's building on the South West corner of Main St. and 39th Ave once housed Jacy's Billiard Academy (39-02 Main St) pool hall. A smoke filled old world place with billiard and pool tables on the second floor. 7/2/2009

  • Main Street and 37th Avenue Flushing March 24, 1939 2:55 and October 11, 2009. Dated from the light post shadow angle (only one building remains: The RKO)

    Main Street and 37th Avenue Flushing March 24, 1939 2:55 and October 11, 2009. Dated from the light post shadow angle (only one building remains: The RKO)

  • Northern Blvd from December 1973. Detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#216244844_55oiv Shows Lums Chinese restaurant, Aqua Pet and Hobby Den, Bella Pizza, Robert Hall and HB Chevrolet. Behind Flushing High School is a Texaco Gas Station, Flushing Savings Bank, Sears, Town Hall and the RKO Keiths.

    Northern Blvd from December 1973. Detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#216244844_55oiv Shows Lums Chinese restaurant, Aqua Pet and Hobby Den, Bella Pizza, Robert Hall and HB Chevrolet. Behind Flushing High School is a Texaco Gas Station, Flushing Savings Bank, Sears, Town Hall and the RKO Keiths.

  • Incredible detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38 shows Gould's record store (there through the '70s), Peck's Stationary (moved across the street demolished 7/2007)

    Incredible detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38 shows Gould's record store (there through the '70s), Peck's Stationary (moved across the street demolished 7/2007)

  • Incredible detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38 Besides the clock at 2:55 photo shows the RKO Marquee with: They Made Me a Criminal - John Garfield, Ann Sheridan (Jan 28, 1939) Beauty for the Asking - Lucille Ball, Pat Knowles (Feb 24, 1939) Disney's Donald Duck The Fox Hunt (July 29, 1938)

    Incredible detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38 Besides the clock at 2:55 photo shows the RKO Marquee with: They Made Me a Criminal - John Garfield, Ann Sheridan (Jan 28, 1939) Beauty for the Asking - Lucille Ball, Pat Knowles (Feb 24, 1939) Disney's Donald Duck The Fox Hunt (July 29, 1938)

  • Gould's record store a Flushing Icon through the 1970's shows up in this detail from March 24, 1939 2:55. Where I bought my Beatles White album.

    Gould's record store a Flushing Icon through the 1970's shows up in this detail from March 24, 1939 2:55. Where I bought my Beatles White album.

  • Incredible detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38 Besides showing street clock at 2:55 this March 24, 1939 photo shows Davega City Radio, Kitty Kelly Shoes and the RKO Marquee.

    Incredible detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38 Besides showing street clock at 2:55 this March 24, 1939 photo shows Davega City Radio, Kitty Kelly Shoes and the RKO Marquee.

  • Before they took over Gertz, Stern's was once a modest shop on the East side of Main Street, next to a long surviving Army & Navy store in this March 1939 detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/gallery/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38

    Before they took over Gertz, Stern's was once a modest shop on the East side of Main Street, next to a long surviving Army & Navy store in this March 1939 detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/gallery/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38

  • The Yantze Chop Suey, March 1939 detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/gallery/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38

    The Yantze Chop Suey, March 1939 detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/gallery/3273609_SVoat#751962046_Bqn38

  • Despite appearances it's really quite nice inside: dance floor, track lighting, sound system, seats around 200. Formerly a Sanitation Dept. service facility, on 35th Ave. and Farrington St., October 8, 2009.

    Despite appearances it's really quite nice inside: dance floor, track lighting, sound system, seats around 200. Formerly a Sanitation Dept. service facility, on 35th Ave. and Farrington St., October 8, 2009.

  • Forgotten 1963 Ford Galaxie survives at the Bad Club, formerly a Sanitation Dept. service facility, 35th Ave. and Farrington, October 9, 2009.

    Forgotten 1963 Ford Galaxie survives at the Bad Club, formerly a Sanitation Dept. service facility, 35th Ave. and Farrington, October 9, 2009.

  • Forgotten 1963 Ford Galaxie survives at the Bad Club, 35th Ave. and Farrington. There were two homless women living in the back when I took this shot, October 9, 2009.

    Forgotten 1963 Ford Galaxie survives at the Bad Club, 35th Ave. and Farrington. There were two homless women living in the back when I took this shot, October 9, 2009.

  • Farrington Street near 34th Ave. looking NW. Private homes and row houses, part of original Flushing circa 1920's on October 8, 2009.

    Farrington Street near 34th Ave. looking NW. Private homes and row houses, part of original Flushing circa 1920's on October 8, 2009.

  • Gingko Tree, with Flushing High School in background. View looking South, from October 1973.

    Gingko Tree, with Flushing High School in background. View looking South, from October 1973.

  • Farrington Street near 34th Ave. looking NE. The private homes are part of original Flushing circa 1920's on October 8, 2009.

    Farrington Street near 34th Ave. looking NE. The private homes are part of original Flushing circa 1920's on October 8, 2009.

  • Main Street demo of 36-42 a 2 story building, in 1970 a beauty salon called George's, photo from July 2, 2009. New development on 37th Ave. looking West appears in the background.

    Main Street demo of 36-42 a 2 story building, in 1970 a beauty salon called George's, photo from July 2, 2009. New development on 37th Ave. looking West appears in the background.

  • Q27 que and 39-01: art decco building on Main St, from July 2, 2009.

    Q27 que and 39-01: art decco building on Main St, from July 2, 2009.

  • Kingsland Homestead (1785) . Viewed from 37th Ave side, October 8, 2009.

    Kingsland Homestead (1785) . Viewed from 37th Ave side, October 8, 2009.

  • Main Plaza 37-02 Main Street, October 10, 2009.

    Main Plaza 37-02 Main Street, October 10, 2009.

  • Main St & Roosevelt Ave October 10, 2009

    Main St & Roosevelt Ave October 10, 2009

  • Main Street, June 29, 1984

    Main Street, June 29, 1984

  • Q65 on Main Street, June 29 1984 zoom in shows the WIZ: audio, video, tapes, records (no doubt named after the Diana Ross film The WIZ, filmed in nearby Flushing Meadow Park). Further zooms reveal the 1984 albums in the store front window: The Erythmics "Touch" and REM "Reckoning".

    Q65 on Main Street, June 29 1984 zoom in shows the WIZ: audio, video, tapes, records (no doubt named after the Diana Ross film The WIZ, filmed in nearby Flushing Meadow Park). Further zooms reveal the 1984 albums in the store front window: The Erythmics "Touch" and REM "Reckoning".

  • Main Street, June 29, 1984

    Main Street, June 29, 1984

  • Main Street, June 29, 1984 Detail

    Main Street, June 29, 1984 Detail

  • 'New York Let's Clean Up New York': Main Street Flushing June 29, 1984

    'New York Let's Clean Up New York': Main Street Flushing June 29, 1984

  • Main Street, June 29, 1984 Detail

    Main Street, June 29, 1984 Detail

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    This 1930's building on the South West corner of Main St. and 39th Ave once housed Jacy's Billiard Academy (39-02 Main St) pool hall. A smoke filled old world place with billiard and pool tables on the second floor. 7/2/2009
    Main Street and 37th Avenue Flushing March 24, 1939 2:55 and October 11, 2009. Dated from the light post shadow angle (only one building remains: The RKO)
    Northern Blvd from December 1973. Detail from: http://www.wideimaging.com/Queens/Flushing-Archives/3273609_SVoat#216244844_55oiv Shows Lums Chinese restaurant, Aqua Pet and Hobby Den, Bella Pizza, Robert Hall and HB Chevrolet. Behind Flushing High School is a Texaco Gas Station, Flushing Savings Bank, Sears, Town Hall and the RKO Keiths.