Tuesday, July 9, 2024 – THE NEIGBORHOOD IS THE SAME AND CHANGED

By admin

BACK TO ASTORIA


40+ YEARS LATER

JUDITH BERDY

ISSUE # 1268

When I moved to the Island 47 years ago last Sunday, I was introduced to Astoria shopping by my friend Arlene Atkinson.  We learned to take the Q102 bus and visit the Greek, French, Italian and other shops in the neighborhood.

This morning I returned for the first time in a while (aside from trips to Dollar Tree at Broadway and 31st Avenue).  The Q102 runs the route with a few modifications for monster construction around Queens Plaza.

Trade Fair was my first stop (after Dollar Tree and a stop for coffee).  Its aisle are full of exotic imports, many from the Middle East.

The aisles are well stocked and some prices are the same as Foodtown. The advantage is a great selection of ethnic foods, a wonderful deli and salad bar. Also, wandering the aisles and discovering old favorites.

A block east of Trade Fair this half-block long apartment house is being completed.  These six story housing is popping up all; over Western Queens, replacing one story tax-payers.

The Berry Fruit Market is still on the same corner with lots of fresh produce.  Being Monday morning, the staff was busy putting out fresh produce. A shop reflecting the times when we went to the green-grocer every few days.

All kinds of restaurants proliferate in the neighborhood. A vast variety a 20 minute Q102 ride from home.

Still on the corner of 31 Street and Broadway, Parisi Bakery with the aroma of fresh bread wafting to the sidewalk.

While waiting for the Q102, the scene was looking into the recently renovated Broadway N /W subway station with it glass artwork.  The building across the street has a sign “2nd Avenue” a relic of days past.

Since it took a while for the bus to arrive, I studied the architectural detail of the building: decorative details on the far wall and ornate ironwork on the fire escapes.

The Walkins Bakery is long gone along with the French Butcher Shop. Many of the discount stores are gone with new buildings including a Compass Real Estate office and a Food Emporium.   Still worth the visit!!!!

ASTORIA PARK POOL, BUILT FOR THE OLYMPIC TRIALS FOR THE 1936 BERLIN OLYMPICS.  RECENTLY RESTORED AND NOW OPEN WITH A GRAND VIEW OF THE TRIBORO.

CREDITS
JUDITH BERDY

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