Posts by Jason D Antos
Insanity In Astoria’s River Crest Sanitarium
One of the most remarkable facts of history is that we all occupy, for a brief period of time, physical spaces which have been shared by countless others throughout the centuries. Many of us go about our daily lives unaware of the persons who once existed and events which took place exactly where we stand,…
Read MoreBerenice Abbott: Capturing New York’s Transformation, Including Astoria’s Vanished Mansions
For anyone who is a professional photographer or a historian of the medium the name Berenice Abbott and her pictorial essay of New York City’s ever changing landscape is legendary. Abbott was born in Springfield, Ohio in 1898. When she was in her early 20s, Abbott discovered her true talent and passion. Photography. After…
Read MoreWhen Johnny Came Marching Home: Astoria and The Great Was
On February 27, 2011, Frank Buckles, the last surviving American to serve in the Great War died peacefully at his home in West Virginia at the age of 110. The war in Europe which began in the summer of 1914 ended in November of 1918. Thousands of men and women from New York City…
Read MoreLearn about Astoria’s Irish History from 1638 and where to celebrate Patrick’s Day!
For this St. Patrick’s Day, we look at the little-known history of the Irish in Astoria. According to the research paper “Irish Settlers in Queens County, City of New York” by Michael J. O’Brien, the first recorded Irish person to arrive in Queens was Sarah Ryan in 1638. She came to America with her husband…
Read MoreHistoric Hangouts Of Astoria/LIC
The restaurant and business scene in Western Queens changes day-to-day offering new services and a wide variety of food and drink to fit every palate and wallet. There are still a few establishments that have been serving Astorians for generations and they are luckily, for our generation, are still amongst us to enjoy. Here is…
Read MoreIn Astoria it’s Whiskey A Go Go
Come to Astoria, where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away. Well, that’s how Garth Brooks would’ve put it anyway. Here is a list of some of the best spots in town where friends can gather to enjoy whisky…and have a good meal as well. The Huntress – Whisky, Wings and Other…
Read MoreLong Island City’s History: A Tale of Mayors, Struggles, and The Great Consolidation
Long Island City’s History: A Tale of Mayors, Struggles, and The Great Consolidation
Read MoreWelcome To Astoria’s Lost Islands: The Fascinating History of Berrien’s Island and Its Transformation
One of the most impressive parts about Queens history is how the topography of its shoreline has changed so dramatically throughout the centuries that, water front homes and private beaches now lay buried beneath the Grand Central Parkway. At one time the nation’s largest amusement park, North Beach, stood for almost 60 years only to…
Read MoreTake The Tunnel To The City: Queens Midtown Tunnel!
It’s hard to believe that the Queens Midtown Tunnel is almost 83 years old. And very little has changed; and that’s a good thing. With the exception of the elimination of the toll booths for overhead EasyPass scanners, the Midtown Tunnel still serves as an engineering marvel became instantly iconic upon its opening. The year…
Read MoreHistory Etched in Stone
The Dutch colonial era of Queens is alive and well in Long Island City. Workers in Queens Plaza who come to sit outside and enjoy their lunch break at the Dutch Kills Green while engrossed in their smartphones do so right next to two technological marvels dating back more than 370 years. It was…
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