USA > New York > Queens County > Long Island City > History of Long Island City, New York. A record of its early settlement and corporate progress. Sketches of the villages that were absorbed in the growth of the present municipality. Its business, finance, manufactures, and form of government, with some notice of the men who built the city > Part 11
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Within a metal case men carried on the work of excavation from both sides of the river. When sufficient space permitted to insert a ring, this was done and the operation was repeated. When the material was soft the doors of the diaphragm were closed and the water squeezed ont in the pressing forward. While the ring was bolted the doors were opened, the forward end cleared of debris and the material removed by cars.
This difficult undertaking was completed July 11, 1894. In the morning of that day the measurement proved that only twenty-one feet remained between the faces, and great excitement prevailed among the workmen. At seven o'clock in the evening, the first drill was put through from Ravenswood to New York, fair in the middle of the heading, and at midnight the wall was blasted out, and the headings met at 1676 feet from the New York shaft, and those present walked through from New York to Long Island City, by way of the first tunnel under the East River. So great was the accuracy of the work, and the care and skill employed, that when the headings met the center lines were only one-half of an inch out of direction, and about three-quarters of an inch difference was discovered between the grade levels.
Thus Ravenswood was united to New York by the successful execution of an engineering project despite the fears of the incredulous and the difficulties which at times seemed almost insuperable.
A 36-inch diameter gas main is now laid in place and supplies gas to large sections of upper New York. (See cut, p. 81). The idea of tunneling the East River is not perhaps to be attributed to any single individual, inasmuch as it had been the subject of much speculation and interest for some time among gas men. But to Emerson MeMillin, President of the East River Gas Company, whose abilities along progressive lines have gained him special prominence in gas affairs, is due the merit of having pushed the project on to the most successful realization.
HELL GATE.
REMOVAL OF OBSTRUCTIONS-GEN. NEWTON'S GREAT ENGINEERING SKILL.
The twenty-fourth day of September, 1876, marked a notable event in which this eity was the scene of much interest. That day witnessed the destruction of Hallett's Point Reef, the opening of Hell Gate to vessels of the largest draught, and the diversion of dangerons currents into channels of safety. This occurrenee was the culmination of seven years of the most skillful submarine engineer- ing and generous financial cooperation on the part of the General Government. Perhaps we should have said twenty-seven years instead of seven, for as early as 1848, Charles H. Davis and David Porter, U. S. Naval Lieutenants, surveyed the perilous strait and indicated to the Government certain reefs and roeks which were the most frequent cause of disaster. These were the Gridiron, Way's Reef, the Bread and Cheese Reef, and Pot and Frying Pan Rocks. While the only method of
84
HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
removal suggested by the Officers of the Survey was, necessarily, blasting (of which only one form was then known), there was a diversity of opinion as to the methods of deep sea work of this order.
Persistent interest achieved the first attempt at removal, in 1851, by surface explosions of gun powder. While quantities of fragments were torn away, still the method proved valueless in the proposed gigantic enterprise. This was a disappointment to the public of New York City, whose citizens had raised the $14,000 expended.
A ground swell of renewed interest was exhibited by the "New York Harbor Commission." in 1856, but subsided without any attempt at effective work.
Finally, in 1866, a General appeared, by government order, in the situation which for so many years had been highly productive of scientific embarrassment. John Newton was a Major-General in the United States Engineers, and by events was proven to be eminently qualified for the arduous undertaking. He exhaustively surveyed every detail of the tidal torrent, reported in extenso his plans for the work, and two years later (1868) was rewarded with a Congressional appropriation of $85, 000 for the execution of his project. The contract was let, and partially carried into effect, when the whole affair became the subject of an accident which left Pot and Frying Rocks temporarily secure from the steam drill. The attack was again made in May, 1871, this time with nitro-glycerine, and in July, 1872, the famously offensive Frying Pan Rock was leveled.
The steam drill and nitro-glycerine, as an explosive, proved equally powerful with Way's Reef, the surface of which, likewise, in 1872, was carried to a depth of twenty-six feet below low-tide.
While the other rocks, upon which was begun work, were successfully yielding to the means employed by General Newton for their removal, yet not unattended with vast difficulties, seen and unforeseen, an heroic move was made, July 8, 1869, upon Hallett's Point Reef. This reef perhaps gave the fleets of Hell Gate more taste of the perils of the deep than any other single obstruction of their inimical number. The plan of the engineer was to undermine the whole reef extending three hundred feet into the river, store the tunnels with explosives, admit the water and fire the entire mass of explosives by electricity from a battery upon the shore.
The work was begun upon the date mentioned, with the first mechanical steps toward the con- struction of a coffer-dam. A shaft was sunk ninety-five by one hundred and five feet to the depth of thirty feet below low water; thirty-five tunnels radiated from a common center, and ten transverse galleries were bored twenty-five feet apart. The whole excavation occupied two and five-eighths acres. The total length of the tunnel was 4857 feet, and galleries 2568 feet, making 7425 feet in all. The number of cubic yards removed were 47,461. The total amount of explosive employed in the final blast was as follows: 13,596 cartridges, three inches in diameter, and nine to eighteen in length, containing various quantities of dynamite, rend-rock and vulcan powder. These were placed in 4427 holes in rocks, which had been drilled ten feet apart and nine feet deep.
Finally the work had been pronounced complete. General Newton had added the last of the infinite number of details, by laying a wire to the shore where the key was awaiting the momentous touch that produced the dramatic event. At this key stood the little daughter of General Newton. Multitudes of officials and citizens darkened the bluffs at Pot Cove, where stood the child. On the river, neighboring islands, and main land, in fact throughout a wide horizon, near and far, every vantage point of observation throbbed with humanity, breathlessly awaiting the impending convulsion. It was a Sabbath afternoon. The hour of three had nearly arrived when signal guns warned the countless multitudes that the explosion was about to occur. Presently the key yielded to the touch of the child, and in two seconds came a deep, muffled, yet powerful report, the earth slightly vibrated, a thick muddy column mixed with fragments of rock shot up into the air fifty feet or more, and Hallett's Point Reef, which had caused many wrecks, was itself wrecked. Submarine dredges cleared away the debris, and a depth of twenty-six feet at low water was discovered to be the gratifying result of the great undertaking.
With General Newtown, there were associated in the work ; James Mercur, Captain of Engineers; Joseph HI. Millard, First Lieutenant of Engineers; Julius II. Striedinger, Civil Engineer, Assistant ; Bernard F. Boyle, Mining Engineer, Overseer; James Quigley and Robert S. Burnett, Assistants.
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HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
THE CITY HOSPITALS.
There are two hospitals in the city to represent this important branch of benevolent work.
ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL.
This institution originated in the wise forethought of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Loughlin, of Brooklyn. The twenty-nine lots fronting on Jackson and Nott avenues and Twelfth street were placed by him, early in 1861, at the command of the Sisters of St. Joseph, who at once arranged the buildings already upon the property to meet the requirements of a modern city hospital. The first patients were received in May of the same year. Since that time the usefulness of the hospital has constantly increased, as is evidenced by the magnificent structure, a cut of which is herein given. This new building, now in course of erection, has a frontage on Twelfth street and Jackson avenue of about one hundred and forty feet, and extends back one hundred and fifty feet to Nott avenne. The main part, at the corner of Jackson avenue and Twelfth street, will be five stories high, while the west and north wings will be four stories. Every sanitary requirement suggested by scientific advance, and all conveniences known to the fullest medical equipment and efficiency, will characterize the adaptation of the building to its purpose. An ambulance service is at instant call, and the sick of every race, religion and color are alike welcome to its benefits.
The officers are :
President: Rt. Rev. Charles E. McDonnell, Bishop, of Brooklyn. Consulting Physician and Surgeon: Dr. John Byrne. Visiting Surgeons: Dr. James B. Kennedy ; Dr. James D. Trask; Dr. John Francis Burns, Visiting Physicians: Dr. Patrick McKeon; Dr. John Hinckson; Dr. H. Herriman. House Surgeon: Dr. R. Thornton Stewart. Sister in Charge: Sister Mary David.
ASTORIA HOSPITAL.
This hospital, organized in 1891, at first occupied a honse on Flushing avenue rented and furnished for use by the liberality of Mrs. F. E. Hagemeyer. Increased accommodations soon became a necessity. By the efforts of the Advisory Board the present beautiful edifice on The Crescent, near Grand avenue, was erected and opened for use in the spring of 1896. It is "intended to be for the treat- ment of patients having acute and curable diseases, without regard to sex, creed or nationality. Chronic sufferers will be admitted at discretion, but for temporary treatment only." The hospital has entered upon an enlarged sphere of usefulness "with every advantage that the advance of science and the knowledge of an improved sanitation can give." Ten to sixteen dollars per week secures private rooms for patients, and the best of care and attention. These rooms, as also certain beds in the wards, are memorial gifts. The work of the hospital is carried forward by various committees, who are liberally seconded by publie liberality.
Its officers are : President: Mrs. F. E. Hagemeyer. First Vice-President: Mrs. J. M. Blackwell. Second Vice-President: Mrs. Robert Benner. Treasurer: Mrs. Charles W. Hallett. Secretary: Mrs. R. S. Fanning. Assistant Sceretary: Mrs. George M. Potter. Superintendent: Miss M. E. Wygant. Matron: Mrs. J. G. Mulligan.
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HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
BOARD OF MANAGERS.
Mrs. F. E. Hagemeyer,
Mrs. J. M. Blackwell,
Mrs. Robert Benner,
Mrs. Richard Harison,
Mrs. C. W. Hallett,
Mrs. Daniel S. Riker,
Mrs. J. M. Carrington,
Mrs. Robert Tisdale,
Mrs. C. Rapelye,
Mrs. R. S. Fanning,
Mrs. Theron Burden, Mrs. Z. Dennler,
Miss Margaret T. Lathrop.
ADVISORY BOARD.
Mr. Ernst Lemeke, Mr. C. W Hallett,
Mr. H. W. Rebonl,
Mr. F. E. Hagemeyer,
Mr. Geo. M. Potter,
Mr. J. H. Smedley,
Mr. Philip Burkhardt,
Mr. George E. Blackwell, Dr. W. R. Taylor, Dr. Neil O. Fitch, Mr. Walter E. Frew, Mr. Fred Bowley, Mr. James Ingram, Mr. F. T. Hallett,
Mr. George Smith.
Legal Adviser. Mr. George E. Blackwell. CONSULTING STAFF. Surgery. . 27 East 38th Street, New York. Professor of Surgery in New York Polyclinic. General Medicine. 161 West 23d Street, New York. Clinical Professor of Practice of Medicine of the University of the City of New York.
Egbert LeFevre, M. D. .
Pediatrics.
Dillon Brown, M. D. . 40 East 57th Street, New York. Professor of Diseases of Children at New York Polyclinic.
W. Travis Gibb, M. D. .
Gynecology. 365 Lexington Avenue, New York. Lecturer on Gynecology at University of the City of New York. Obstetrics.
James Clifton Edgar, M.D. 54 East 34th Street, New York.
Lecturer on Obstretries at University of the City of New York. 1
Ophthalmology. John E: Weeks, M.D. .
154 Madison Avenue, New York.
Lecturer on Diseases of the Eye in Bellevue Medical College, New York. 1
Throat and Nose.
John H. Billings, M.D. 249 Madison Avenue, New York. Surgeon at Metropolitan Throat llospital, New York.
Dentist. Dr. F. W. Batterman. MEDICAL STAFF.
W. Remsen Taylor, M. D., Pres. Franklin Street, Astoria. Neil O. Fitch, M. D., Vice-Pres., Cor. Woolsey and Franklin Streets, Astoria. A. J. Andersen, M.D. 26 Stevens Street, Astoria.
C. N. Platt, M. D., See'y 152 Branklin Street, Astoria.
J. R. Ilinekson, M. D. - 544 Hunter's Point Avenue, L. I. City. B. G. Strong, M.D. 434 Jackson Avenue, L. I. City. James D. Trask, M.D. 164 Franklin Street, Astoria.
Mrs. Russell Smith, Mrs. B. W. Moore,
John A. Wyeth, M.D.
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HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
THE CHURCHES OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
The early settlers of Newtown were religious people. In common with other American colonists, they laid religion at the foundation of society and the state. From them all the conviction is deeply rooted in the national mind, which Burke expressed while reflecting upon the Revolution in France. "We know, and what is better, we feel inwardly, that religion is the basis of civil society, and the source of all good, and of all comfort." True, that the Christian Gospel has had a rebirth amid the perplexities of every age, yet always the age-spirit has been increasingly tempered by the christian feeling of the brotherhood of man. Herein is a great mission of the church. By it the church appeals to what is best and noblest in man, thereby becoming the strongest force that makes for industrial and social progress. For this reason, in every community the church has superior claims to honor.
Ample space is accordingly given to the mention of all organizations of this character.
ST. GEORGE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.
St. George's Episcopal Church of Astoria is the oldest of all the churches established within the territory now included in Long Island City. In the early part of the century, services had been held from time to time at Hallett's Cove under the auspices of St. James' Church, Newtown, of which parish it formed a part. In the year 1825 a lot of land was donated by Mr. Samuel Blackwell, for a church, on the Newtown road, now Main street. The subscription paper for raising money to build a church edifice bears date of March 9, 1827, and contains the names of most of the prominent residents of that time-such as the Blackwells, Suydams, Whittemorcs, Fields, Ostranders, Rapelyes, Stevenses, Lawrences, Perrots, Leveriches, Polhemuses, Rhinelanders, and Gibbses, many of whose descendants are still worshippers here. The church was finished in 1828, and the first rector was the Rev. Dr. Seabury, son of the first Bishop of the American Church. After his rectorship of several years, the parish was served by the Rev. George Shelton, Rector of St. James', Newtown, who main- tained services at St. George's until about 1840, when the Rev. John Walker Brown was called to the rectorship. In 1849 Mr. Brown's health failed, and having gone abroad to scek its restoration, he died at the Island of Malta. IIe was succeeded in 1850 by the Rev. Thomas R. Chipman, who remained until 1856. During his office the parish acquired more land, extend- ing to what is now Franklin street, and the church was enlarged to meet the requirements of the increasing congregation. In 1856 the Rev. Robert W. Harris, D. D. was called to the rectorship, in which he remained for thirty years. He retired in 1886, at the age of eighty, and within a few months after died at White Plains, N. Y. In January, 1887, he was suc- ASTORIA REFORMED CHURCHI. ceeded by the present Rector, Rev. Charles M. Belden.
In January, 1894, the church, which was a frame structure, was totally destroyed by fire. Prepara- tions were at once made to convert the large rectory, which had been first built for an institute, into a parish house, since which time services have been regularly maintained in it, and participated in by a faithful and growing congregation. It is purposed, at no distant time, to erect a new and substantial church edifice on the property of the parish, near the site of the former church.
THE REFORMED CHURCH OF ASTORIA.
This church was organized on July 1th, 1839. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. John S. Bussing; Mrs. Sylvanus Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Polhemus, William Shaw, and Mr. and Mrs. Grant Thorburn, the celebrated seedsman and historical writer. Abraham Polhemus and John S. Bussing were the first elders,
£
SS
HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
This organization, under the auspices of the Dutch Reformed denomination, was the outcome of an enterprise engaged in for some years jointly by several people of various denominations, mainly, however, of the Dutch Reformed and Presbyterian Churches.
The old church edifice, which did service until 1888, was originally built by the Reformed and Presbyterian people together. By an equitable arrangement the claims of the Presbyterians were satisfied when the building was devoted to the uses of the other denomination only. In 1888 it was
resolved to build a new edifice, of more modern style and larger capacity and the new church was dedicated, with impressive services, on June 25, ISSO. It was during the pastorate of the Rev. Wm. S. Cranmer, now of Somerville, N. J., that this important work was carried on from inception to finish.
The pastors of the church have been the following: The Rev. A. Bishop, from 1839 to 1853; the Rev. Wm. II. Ten Eyck, D. D., from 1853 to 1874; the Rev. M. L. Haines, D.D., from 1874 to 1885; the Rev. Wm. S. Cranmer, from 1885 to 1893. The present pastor is the Rev. Daniel Van Pelt, D. D., who began his labors in 1894.
GERMAN SECOND REFORMED PROTES- TANT CHURCH OF ASTORIA, 1 .. I.
At the stated session of the North Classis of Long Island, Sep- tember 20, 1854, an application was received from twenty-four German residents at Astoria, L. I., praying for the organization of a church. The Rev. Messrs. W. H. Ten Eyck, John W. Ward and Giles H. Mandeville, were appointed a com- mittee to examine the applicants. REV. DR. C. D. F. STEINFUHRER. At the stated session of Classis, April 18, 1855, the committee appointed reported that on the eighth day of October, 1854, a church had been organized by their authority under the title of the German Second Reformed Protestant Church of Astoria, L. I. Mr. Jolin Boehrer was engaged as missionary until April 16, 1856. During his time services were held in the village court-house, on Broadway. From 1856 to the fall of 1861, the pulpit was occasionally supplied by different ministers. The Rev. John Wenisch, June 21, 1863, was installed pastor of this church and of the German Church at Newtown, and resigned December, 1866. During his pastorate Sabbath afternoon services were held in the lecture-room of the Reformed Dutch Church, on Remsen street.
Finally steps were taken to secure funds for the purchase of lots and the erection of a church building. With the kind assistance of the Rev. Dr. W. H. Ten Eyck, pastor of the Remsen Street Reformed Church, lots were secured on Second avenue, between Grand and Jamaica avenues, and a church edifice erected. The same was dedicated June 23, 1867. The following Sunday, June 30, 1867, the licentiate, C. D. F. Steinfulirer, who had just finished his theological course at New Brunswick, N. J., was ordained to the ministry and installed as pastor of the church. A Sabbath school and a parochial school were established, a bell and an organ secured, a beautiful parsonage built next to the church, and in 1889 about $Sooo were spent in beautifying and enlarging the church. The present
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HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
membership numbers two hundred and seventy-five, the Sabbath School two hundred and fifty. The present pastor is the Rev. Dr. C. D. F. Steinfuhrer, who has been serving the congregation since May 1, 1867.
The present consistory of the church consists of the Rev. Dr. C. D. F. Steinfuhrer, President.
Elders: Henry Mencken, Sen. ; J. H. Rott; J. D. Gerken. Deacons: H. Korfmann; W. Siebrecht; D. Thielbahr.
ST. THOMAS' PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, RAVENSWOOD.
St. Thomas' Church stands in the center of what was once the Paradise of Long Island. It is erected on a plot 100x100, presented by General Hopkins. The church was organized in 1849. The first structure was of very modest dimensions. Bishop Wainwright spoke of it as being a fine specimen of Gothic architecture. It was destroyed by fire on the morning of December 7, 1867. Plans, however, were made for the now existing building. The foundation stone was laid in 1868, and the new church opened in March, 1869, sixteen months after the conflagration. Under the present rectorate the church has been beau- tified by Mr. Walter Greenhough, a worthy pupil of La Farge, after the pattern of that great master.
There is a fine stained glass window in the chancel, also a memorial window to the wife of Mr. William Nelson. The church interior is one of the prettiest for many miles around.
Some events of interest are recorded in its journals. On Easter Day, 1849, the first admin- istration of Baptism took place. The infant, Edward Aymer Jacot, was baptized with water brought from the river Jordan. A silver vessel was used to contain it. The first bride led to its altar was Miss Elizabeth Williams, by Mr. Vansault Mumford Moore. £ It would be a seeming omis- sion not to mention the first funeral, Mr. Daniel Powers, aged 75.
For seven years past Rev. W. H. Weeks has been its minister. Ile has erected a commodious hall, reading and lecture rooms in the center of the town and is doing a flourishing work among its artisan population.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL ..
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL, ASTORIA.
This church was organized August 20, 1840, by Rev. Michael Curran. A frame building was soon erected upon two lots of ground, donated for the purpose, now used for a Sunday School room. Rev. Mr. Curran died October, 1856, and was succeeded in the pastorate by the Rev. John Brady, who, in 1858, was in turn succeeded by the Rev. James Phelan. The present church edifice was erected under the Rev. Mr. Phelan's pastorate. The corner stone of the church (which stands at the corner of Newtown and Crescent avenues) was laid September 9, 1871, and the completed structure was dedicated August 7, 1873. Dying in 1880, after an administration of twenty-three years, the Rev. Phelan was succeeded by Rev. P. F. Sheridan, upon whose death in July, 1881, the Rev. William McGinniss was appointed to the pastorate. A parochial residence was erected upon adjoining land, the purchase of which increased the original site to two acres. The property is now highly valuable and well adapted to its purpose. The Rev. P. A. Walsh is the present pastor.
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HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ASTORIA.
The Astoria Presbyterian Church began its services May 17, 1846. The movement for its creation commenced with a meeting, May 6, 1846, at the residence of Henry S. Mulligan. The church records show that the following persons were present at the meeting: Bayard Boyd, Andrew Comstoek, Albert S. Cone, Simon Ingersoll, Edwin Mills, Thomas B. Minor, Henry S. Mulligan, Henry L. Pen- field, James S. Polhemns, Henry Smith, John H. Smith and George C. Thorburn. During the session it was resolved to request the New York Presbytery to organize a Presbyterian Church in Astoria.
The Organization Committee was composed of the Rev. Drs. George Potts and J. M. Krebs, the Rev. John Goldsmith and Messrs. Leverich, of Newtown, L. I., and Ely, of New York.
This committee met and had a service the night of May r, in the Astoria Reformed Church. The Rev. Dr. Potts preached, Albert S. Cone was elected to the Eldership of the new body, and was ordained to that office, and the charge to the Elder and people was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Goldsmith, of Newtown. The Rev. Dr. Krebs offered the coneluding prayer.
The small congregation did not own a house of worship, and had to gather for Sunday serviees in a small district schoolhouse that stood on the south side of Franklin street, a few feet west of Willow street. The Rev. Dr. Dickinson and the Rev. Charles E. Linsley occupied the pulpit in the little schoolhouse during June, July, August, and September.
The first Board of Trustees of the church was elected July 28, 1846. It was composed of Stephen A. Halsey, John C. Mallory, Henry. S. Mulligan, Andrew Comstock, James S. Polhemus, and Edwin Mills. At a congregational meeting held August 31, a call was extended to the Rev. Frederick G. Clark. He began his labors as pastor-elect in the latter part of the following October.
The corner stone of the present edifice was laid November 30, 1846, and the growth of the church within the first few months of its existence tells better than words of the faithfulness and devotion of its members. At the laying of the corner stone prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Snodgrass, of THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. New York. The Rev. Mr. Clark, the pastor-elect, delivered an address to the people upon their relations and duties to other denominations and the heathen world. The church was completed in a little over six months from that time, and was formally dedicated June 11, 1847.
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