Hanging out in Queens

[Marc in Calif]

21 minutes ago, samhexum said:

How does that relieve boredom?

Reading keeps you from making foolish statements. 🎯

[samhexum]

5 minutes ago, Marc in Calif said:

Reading keeps you from making foolish statements. 🎯

But what if making foolish statements relieves one's boredom?  Wouldn't reading then cause even more boredom?

 

[Marc in Calif]

2 minutes ago, samhexum said:

But what if making foolish statements relieves one's boredom?  Wouldn't reading then cause even more boredom?

On the contrary: reading would give you so much more to be foolish about. 

[samhexum]

2 minutes ago, Marc in Calif said:

On the contrary: reading would give you so much more to be foolish about. 

Not if I actually take the time to, you know, read all the articles... there'd be so much less time to make foolish statements.

Unless Evelyn Wood is still around...

Edited September 30, 2023 by samhexum
for shits and giggles

[samhexum]

THINGS TO DO IN QUEENS

 

Tomorrow, 9 am

Free Tai Chi classes for seniors 60+
Moore Homestead Playground

 

Tomorrow, 2 pm

The Amazing Maize Maze
Queens County Farm Museum

 

Oct. 14, 10 am

Experience Civil War Living History at Fort Totten
Bayside Historical Society

[+ WilliamM]

I am far more concerned with the price to take Amtrak to New York City to see the  hit revival of Sondheim''s Merrily 

[samhexum]

Legal Cannabis Shop Cleared To Open in Astoria After Two-Month Battle

[samhexum]

A Forest Hills before time

Michael Perlman

Forest Hills residents shop and dine on Austin Street, patronize the Midway Theatre, enjoy concerts at Forest Hills Stadium and may have been a Forest Hills High School graduate. These are some “landmarks” granting local character. Now one may be at a loss for words if they walked in the footsteps of our ancestors, just over a century ago.

Encounter a land called “Whitepot,” prior to 1906. It was predominantly occupied by wood-frame farmhouses and fields of crops, with “landmarks” on a humble scale. In the early 20^th century, some homes were up to 200 years of age, but today, there are none. 

In 1924, a survey was conducted by local resident Lucy Allen Smart. Colonial farmhouses were typically situated on large parcels of land and exhibited any combination of a porch, pitched roof and shutters. The Whitson Homestead, erected in 1800, still stood on Queens Boulevard, steps away from Backus Place. It became the residence of John E. Backus.

 

The Whitson Homestead.

Also along Queens Boulevard was the McCoun-Backus House, which was recognized as one of the best homes of Whitepot at 160 years old. It was demolished a decade earlier. The boulevard also featured the house of prominent Manhattan jeweler Horatio N. Squire (1821–1897). After 150 years, it was demolished in 1923.

 

The McCoun-Backus House.

The Judge Jonathan T. Furman House, dating to 1750, stood on Dry Harbor Road, which ended in a cluster of farms facing a large pond. Situated on the property of Cord Meyer Development Company was the Jarvis Jackson Homestead, erected a century earlier. Walking over to Tompkins Lane, a noteworthy site for the birth of landscape artist Clarence P. Tompkins (1862 – 1935) was the Joseph J. Tompkins House at 176 Queens Boulevard. A 200-year-old survivor was known as “The house on the Abram Furman Estate,” and was on the east side of what was called Yellowstone Avenue, formerly White Pot Road (renamed Yellowstone Boulevard).

 

The Judge Jonathan T. Furman House, erected in 1750.

The Jarvis Jackson Homestead. The Joseph J Tompkins house.

In 1652, Newtown was settled by Englishmen from New England and Whitepot was one of its sections. An early 20^th century debate was whether Forest Hills was originally known as Whitepot or Whiteput. If it was spelled “Whitepot,” it would bear relevance to the original purchase of the land from the Indians in exchange for three clay white pots. That was refuted by J.H. Innes, who told the publication “Ancient Landmarks of Queens Borough” that the authentic spelling was “Whiteput.” If correct, the land would be named in conjunction with the Dutch term “put” for a stream that became a hollow pit.

Whitepot consisted of six major family farms, which were named after Ascan Backus, Casper-Joost Springsteen, Horatio N. Squire, Abram V.S. Lott, Sarah V. Bolmer and James Van Siclen. Backus (1814–1880) arrived in America from Germany without a dollar in 1829, but in 1849, purchased 40 acres of what was the Remsen estate. His acquisitions increased to 800 acres and with four wagons, he supplied the New York market with wheat, rye, Timothy grass, cabbage, peas, beets and horseradish. He was the “King Farmer of Long Island” and the largest commercial farmer in America. Today, Ascan Avenue bears homage to his name.

 

The Horatio N Squire House

The oldest living member of one of the first farming families was Frederick D. Backus (1850–1937), who told Historian Lucy Allen Smart (1877–1960) about Whitepot residents.

“The neighbors were few when I was a boy, and some that lived a mile away, we called neighbors. The farmers raised hay, grain and vegetables to supply the New York markets,” Backus said. “Fruit and nuts were in abundance, and every farmer would take his apples to a cider mill, which was located on the Hempstead Swamp Road; now Yellowstone Avenue. The children attended the Whitepot School, but we all had to go to Newtown to church.”

He also explained that since few homes had ice houses come summer, food was kept cool by hanging them in wells and tin pails. In the winter, oxen were driven through snow drifts along narrow roads.

Whitepot had Dutch influences with the Springsteen family, who owned farmland which would encompass the south side of Queens Boulevard (formerly Hoffman Boulevard) between Ascan Avenue and 77^th Avenue. The porch-fronted Springsteen homestead at 112 Queens Blvd. (now 108-36 Queens Blvd.) stood from 1898 until the late 1940s. David Springsteen (1849–1911) represented the ninth Springsteen generation to settle locally and was among the first families in Queens. In the mid-1600s, the family acquired the land under the authorization of a Dutch king.

The David Springsteen residence on a Queens Blvd postcard.

The area bounded by Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike was the Hopedale section of Whitepot. The Hopedale Railway Station stood near that intersection, and the architecturally distinct Hopedale Hall accommodated dining and dancing.

In 1900, The New York Times reported Whitepot’s population as 30 residents, and consisted of German residents who planted potatoes and celery. In 1906, Cord Meyer Development Company purchased 600 acres in the Hopedale section, and renamed it “Forest Hills” after its high elevation on Long Island and proximity to Forest Park.

In March 1931, George Meyer, son of the late Cord Meyer told The New York Times, “Roman Avenue between Queens Boulevard and Austin was the first street to be cut through, and on it, the company started its first building operations, ten two-family brick homes.” Today, only two Neo-Renaissance rowhouses stand proudly from 1906, and are reminiscent of the first signs of development of the newly named Forest Hills.

Today, the only known remnant of Whitepot is the landmarked Remsen Cemetery between Trotting Course Lane and Alderton Street. (a block from Trader Joe's) The Remsen family, which immigrated in the 17^th century from northern Germany, was among the area’s first settlers. Tombstones range from 1790 through 1819, and include Revolutionary War Veteran Colonel Jeromus Remsen. In 1699, the Remsen family erected a homestead on their farm, which stood adjacent to the cemetery until 1925.

 

Edited October 21, 2023 by samhexum
just for the hell of it

[samhexum]

On 5/12/2023 at 5:37 PM, samhexum said:

Terrible, Terrible news - life will never be the same again...

Applebee’s at Bay Terrace Shopping Center closing after 27 years 

What are lovers of fine cuisine to do?

The location was originally a movie theater; the 2nd floor is now going to be a gym.  (no word on which chain)

 

On 6/27/2023 at 4:19 PM, pubic_assistance said:

They also have live octopus sashimi that's a real hit with your female friends who are guaranteed to scream as it wiggles to get out of your mouth and it's little suckers hang on for dear life while you chew it up and swallow

 

Man dies after choking on 'live octopus' dish with wriggling tentacles

 

A South Korean man has died of a heart attack after choking on a “live octopus” dish with wriggling tentacles that was served as a local delicacy.

The 82-year-old could not be revived after he choked on the dish known as san-nakji and suffered cardiac arrest Monday in the southern city of Gwangju, the Korea Herald reported.

He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Still-squirming octopus seasoned with salt and sesame oil is among the country’s most notorious delicacies, according to the outlet.

International Food Expo coming to Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Park 

explore the science of cooking!

 

Edited October 25, 2023 by samhexum
just for the hell of it

[pubic_assistance]

9 hours ago, samhexum said:

South Korean man has died of a heart attack after choking on a “live octopus” dish with wriggling tentacles that was served as a local delicacy.

Another example of why your mother always told you to CHEW your food.

 

[+ nycman]

7 hours ago, pubic_assistance said:

Another example of why your mother always told you to CHEW your food.

 

Or at least kill it first. 

[samhexum]

 

Edited October 26, 2023 by samhexum
for absolutely NO @%!*ING reason at all!

[samhexum]

 

Queens Council Member Sandra Ung joined community leaders, elected officials and the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground Conservancy on Saturday, Oct. 28, for the renaming of the intersection of 164th Street and 46th Avenue in Flushing, which is now known as “Olde Towne Burial Ground Lane.”

“Olde Towne Burial Ground Lane will forever stand as a testament to our commitment to acknowledging the past and ensuring that the memory of those who rest here is never forgotten,” said Ung. “This is more than just a change in signage, it is a powerful declaration of our city’s values and will hopefully help future generations understand the importance of recognizing and rectifying injustices. We aren’t just renaming a street, we are rewriting a narrative.”

The area was bought by the town of Flushing in 1840 and used as a pauper’s burial ground. Approximately 1,000 people, mostly of African American or Native American descent were buried there over the years. The last burial at the site took place in 1898, which was the same year that New York City was consolidated into five boroughs. The site remained as it was for a number of years until it was transferred to the Parks Department in 1914 and eventually a playground was built over it in 1936. 

Despite news articles at the time quoting people saying there were bones being pulled from the ground, bodies were never removed. The playground remained in use until the 1990s, when the late Mandingo Osceola Tshaka advocated on behalf of the burial ground to be included in the State and National Registers of Historic Places and prompted archaeological studies.

The playground was transformed into a memorial space in 2006 and in 2010 the space was officially renamed Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground.

In  2021, a central memorial was dedicated and it includes the names of 320 people who are known to have been interred there.

 

[+ WilliamM]

I sawJanis Joplin performance at Forrest Hills Stady

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

15 minutes ago, WilliamM said:

I sawJanis Joplin performance at Forrest Hills Stady

Great venue.  I see multiple shows there every season.

One of my favorites was Norah Jones.

[+ WilliamM]

7 hours ago, WilliamM said:

I sawJanis Joplin performance at Forrest Hills Stady

It rained on the evening of the concert and was rescheduled for the next  night.

We  all went back to Philly except me.

Great concert. 

 

Joplin passed around Southern  Comfort 

[samhexum]

 

Korean restaurant opens in Forest Hills, third in a growing chain 

Do you think they serve Kokoa Puffs at KUKU?  (sorry, I had to...)

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Just now, samhexum said:

 

Korean restaurant opens in Forest Hills, third in a growing chain 

Do you think they serve Kokoa Puffs at KUKU?  (sorry, I had to...)

I've been watching this slowly come to fruition.  A nice addition to Forest Hills.

That Orange Theory next door regularly kicks my ass  

And if anyone's on this block, don't forget to hit Martha's Country Bakery down on Austin St.  

[+ WilliamM]

One of Broadway,'s biggest musical stars was born in Queen in January  1908

[samhexum]

54 minutes ago, WilliamM said:

One of Broadway,'s biggest musical stars was born in Queen in January  1908

Patti Lupone looks damn good for 115, but she was actually born on long island.

[samhexum]

Build your own bi bim bap at new Korean eatery Crispy Cloud in Oakland Gardens

[pubic_assistance]

7 minutes ago, samhexum said:

Build your own bi bim bap at new Korean eatery Crispy Cloud in Oakland Gardens

I do love a good bibimbap. Thanks

 

[+ WilliamM]

On 8/9/2023 at 9:29 PM, mike carey said:

So, On the Beach should have been filmed in Queens, for the same reasons that Ava Gardner is claimed to have said of Melbourne?

 

I have spent time in Melbourne including the Australian Open Tennis Tournament.

 

We should have asked Anthony Perkins 

[+ WilliamM]

On 11/15/2023 at 9:32 PM, samhexum said:

Patti Lupone looks damn good for 115, but she was actually born on long island.

Of course, the answer is Ethel Merman 

[samhexum]

Seems as if the holiday season is coming upon us quicker than ever! And if you’re running out of thoughtful ideas for gifts and stocking stuffers, here are some tempting offerings, courtesy of those innovative Made in Queens (MiQ) folks.

Need some gifting inspiration? Make sure to check out madeinqueens.org for special Queens-made creations and more places where you can find them. And remember, there are no rules when it comes to giving from the heart.

 

Bake Me Healthy baking mixes: an unexpected holiday gift!

Asian-American mom Kimberle Lau created Bake Me Healthy because she believes in healthy, plant-based baking. Her small business, which launched in May, is based in Syosset, Long Island, and her product is manufactured in Long Island City.

 

Bake Me Healthy is on a mission to help others bake better for themselves, their families and the planet. Lau, a former beauty executive, developed lactose and egg intolerances from pregnancy and then had to eliminate soy from her diet due to becoming high-risk for breast cancer. 

“First and foremost, these mixes are inclusive. They’re gluten-free, vegan and free of the top nine allergens, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Everyone can savor the homemade goodness without worry,” Lau noted.

“But that’s not all. We’re thrilled to share that our delicious baking mixes are not just kind to your taste buds but to the planet, too,” she added. “It’s crafted with sustainable, upcycled ingredients, appealing to eco-conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability without compromising on flavor.”

And the best part? These mixes are “incredibly easy” to prepare. With just a few simple steps — simply add milk and oil/water — anyone can whip up these delicious treats in no time. It makes a great gift for kids, foodies and anyone looking for a guilt-free indulgence. Visit bakemehealthy.co to place your order.

 

Tembo NYC: where cause, culture and fashion unite.

Founder Deb Chusid has been making and selling fabulous totes and more for fashion savvy New Yorkers since 2019.

“We sell online (tembonyc.com) and at various museums, craft markets and at fine travel retailers at JFK Airport. Our cotton goods are hand sewn in Queens by an immigrant women’s sewing cooperative,” Chusid said.

 

A native New Yorker, Chusid has spent over a decade volunteering around the globe for elephants and wildlife conservation (tembo means “elephant” in Swahili). When she wasn’t in the wild “enjoying nature’s beauty and saving God’s creatures,” she was creating campaigns for Fortune 500 companies at large New York ad agencies.

Living two very different lives, Chusid spent years wondering how she could bring these opposite sides of her life together. The answer came to her in a supermarket checkout line.

“Frustrated that I forgot to BYO [bring your own] bag, I thought if I could create a bag that was fashionable and functional – a bag you would want to carry – you would be less inclined to forget it,” she said. “Tembo NYC is a gift that gives back to the things your giftee may care about most, like music, food, women’s empowerment, travel/environment and New York City,” Chusid said. “Our products are created with sustainability in mind, using original and artfully designed prints created to send a positive message and make a positive impact on the world around you.”

Check out their beautifully designed, artful scarves, wine totes and home goods, as well. Get 15% off all products with promo code HOLIDAY23 through Dec. 26.

Cotton goods are printed in the U.S. and are hand sewn in Queens by women seamstresses earning New York City Fair Wages. Chusid said 5 percent of her company’s profits go to the non-profit organizations that work to serve the causes highlighted in their designs.

 

Jane Parker Baked Goods, LLC: bringing back an iconic product for the holidays.

Alex Ronacher was eager to talk about his tasty products and share his company’s unique background with readers. His small business is based in Flushing, where they pack and ship their cakes to customers.

The Jane Parker brand is an iconic American brand, which was once baked exclusively for A&P supermarkets. 

“The Jane Parker brand was baked for and was sold exclusively at A&P. There were over 100 different baked good items under the brand, and the demand was so great that there were seven Jane Parker bakeries located across the U.S. to keep up with all the demand and supply all the stores,” Ronacher noted.

 

“Fast forward to 2014, and after over 150 years of being in business, the A&P filed for bankruptcy, and the Jane Parker fruitcakes were thought to be gone forever,” he continued. “There were many articles written about the beloved fruitcake no longer being in production, and Jane Parker fans across the country were really disappointed.”

In early 2016, Ronacher and his brother Chris found out about a bankruptcy liquidation sale that was being held for all the properties of A&P and the Jane Parker brand. Ronacher said they put a bid in and won the rights to the brand… “including all of the copyrights, trademarks, logos, website domain and, most importantly, the original recipes for the fruitcakes!”

Several months later, using the services of a contract bakery, the new entrepreneurs were able to bring the iconic fruitcake back into production, prepared faithfully to the original recipe, and relaunched the brand in 2017. This year will be their seventh season back in production, and they continue to grow the brand year after year.

You can place your order at JaneParker.com. They offer free shipping throughout the U.S. for all their fruitcakes and handle orders from one cake to hundreds of cakes. Many corporate customers use them for their holiday gifting, as well.