Kenney Building, 1932.

Presbyterian Church of Astoria, 1927. The Presbyterian Church of Astoria began services in 1846 in a local schoolhouse. Within a year the congregation had planned and funded a Gothic style church with a tall steeple. That building served as the church until after the First World War, when it became apparent that the community needed a larger building. The cornerstone for the church seen in this photograph was laid in 1922. The church was a Georgian style (which made it look older than its actual construction) and was deigned by a Flushing architect named A. Edward Richardson. By 2000 the congregation had severely depleted. The building itself was in need of extensive and expensive repair. The church decided (with much opposition from the community and local preservationists) to demolish the church in favor of a new complex with senior citizen housing, a pastor’s residence, a day care facility and a smaller church space which would allow for community activities and events.

Columbus Square, ca. 1942. This triangle, like many others around New York City, honors Christopher Columbus. The land for the plaza was acquired by the City on July 19, 1910, but it was not until 1930 that the site was named after famed explorer. In 1938, with funds from the Works Progress Administration, Italian sculptor Angelo Racioppi was commissioned to create the seven foot tall bronze of a Christopher Columbus that presently stands here today.

34-19 Astoria Boulevard, ca.1931. The frame house at 34-15 Astoria Boulevard, among other buildings, was torn down for the construction of the Grand Central Parkway approach to the Triborough Bridge.

Astoria Greek Archdiocese of North and South America. St. Athanasios chapel in the same building, 1927. This quaint, and now long-gone Astoria building was once home to the Astoria Greek Archdiocese of North and South America. The Holy Synod of Greece founded the Diocese in Astoria in 1918. By 1927 some of the Greeks worshipping here at the chapel of St. Athanasios were planning a new church. St. Demetrios, at 30-11 30th Drive, had its groundbreaking ceremony in late 1927.

Louvre and the Riviera, apartment houses, 1927.

Second Reformed Church of Astoria, beyond the BMT/IRT Astoria Line elevated tracks, March 14, 1931.

Second Church of Astoria, Reformed in America, 1927. The church congregation (called in various places the Second Reformed German Protestant Church) was organized in the 1850s. The church building was not constructed until the congregation had secured appropriate funds, some time after the Civil War, likely the late 1860s. By 1870 the church reported "with cheer" that ," their meeting's on the Lord's day have been well attended."