Ditmars Boulevard
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| Ditmars Boulevard |
|
| Length: | 2.3 mi (3.70 km) |
|---|---|
| East end: | Shore Boulevard |
| West end: | Grand Central Parkway (becomes 82nd Street |
| Counties: | Queens |
Ditmars Boulevard (originally Ditmars Avenue) is a street located in Astoria, which is a neighborhood located in the North-West corner of Queens, NY. It runs from its intersection with the East River (the corner of Shore Blvd.), just to the North of Astoria Park. The road continues to the East until it reaches the Western edge of LaGuardia Airport. The road turns South where it ends at the intersection of the Grand Central Parkway.
[edit] History
The earliest Ditmars ancestor was Jan Jansen Ditmarsen (John the Son of John from Ditmars) who immigrated to this country from Holstein in Germany. The first Ditmars settled in Dutch Kills about 1647. Ditmars Boulevard and the East River the was the site of Dr. Dow Ditmars' home. The doctor, who died in 1860 at 90, was held in high esteem by the community. A son, Abram Ditmars, later became the first Mayor of Long Island City in 1870. [1]
Steinway and Sons (the piano manufacturer) had a final assembly factory on Ditmars Boulevard until the 1960s. [2]
[edit] Public Transportation
Ditmars Boulevard is the last stop on the N and W subway lines which run into Queens above ground following 31st Street. The station is Astoria–Ditmars Boulevard (BMT Astoria Line). The approach to the Hell Gate Bridge is in a viaduct over that station. [3]
In addition, the city bus Q19A runs along Astoria Boulevard from 21st Street up to LaGuardia Airport.
[edit] External links
Where the Piano Meets the Bouzouki -- The New York Times February 18, 1996
Then & Now -- Steinway & Sons Factory -- New York Daily News July 20th 1997
A Walk Down Ditmars Boulevard
Greater Astoria Historical Society
New York City MTA
