Monday, June 19, 2006

A brief tour of As-tour-ia

Astoria has always been the home to strivers and dreamers. In the early 1800s the village of Hallet's Cove was re-named Astoria in hopes that John Jacob Astor, the first millionaire in the United States, would invest there. Although he reportedly never set foot in Astoria, America's richest man eventually gave the village $500 and the name stuck.

This northwestern section of Queens, where three bridges - the Queensboro, the Triborough, and the Hell Gate - cross the East River, is the traditional center of Greek life in America. Today, long-time residents are joined by newcomers from around the world and Astoria has become one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the nation, filled with those pursuing their own American dreams.


Triborough Bridge seen from inside the subway station Posted by Picasa


View from subway station stairs Posted by Picasa


Welcome to the neighborhood Posted by Picasa


We speak German, Polish, Spanish, French, Greek Posted by Picasa


Pedestrian and sidewalk mural Posted by Picasa


Selecting oranges outside of a Greek market Posted by Picasa


A proud gardener tending his fig trees Posted by Picasa


In a quiet corner of the Triborough Bridge Playground Posted by Picasa


Resting in the shade Posted by Picasa


Chatting on the grass in Astoria Park Posted by Picasa


A sleepy snuggle in the park Posted by Picasa


View of Riker's Island Posted by Picasa


Bridge over the East River Posted by Picasa


Chilling inside the Bohemian Beer Garden Posted by Picasa


Security guard at Bohemian Beer Garden Posted by Picasa


Statue of Socrates Posted by Picasa


Athena, gift from the people of Athens, Greece Posted by Picasa

  • Queens Borough President

  • Central Astoria LDC

  • Astorians

  • Joey in Astoria

  • Greater Astoria Historical Society

  • Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

  • Freeze Peach Cafe
  • 3 Comments:

    At 7/09/2006 10:07:00 PM, Blogger Beta Bunny said...

    Too bad you're not here to take pics today - the Italians are going crazy - driving up and down the streets, honking, yelling, hanging out windows and sunroofs, Italian flags flowing behind them.

    Nice post :)

     
    At 7/10/2006 09:23:00 AM, Blogger annulla said...

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

     
    At 8/04/2006 05:54:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Great slice of Astoria you captured. Its a great community to live in!

     

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