The historic Lawrence Cemetery in Astoria is one of many hidden gems in Queens. Photo by Allison Kridle
July 26, 2024 By Allison Kridle
Like any bustling metropolis, everyone in western Queens seems to have their staples or go-to places. The unsung heroes, however, are the hidden gems that lurk between bodegas and bistros in our diverse borough. We have dug up six not-so-known spots in the neighborhood with a historical spin for your next adventurous outing. Take a look-see!
The New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company Building. Photo by Allison Kridle
New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company Building
42-16 Vernon Blvd., LIC
Constructed in 1892 (the same year Ellis Island opened), the New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company set up its headquarters in a–you guessed it–terra-cotta building in Long Island City. Still standing today, the historical landmark is nestled under the Queensboro Bridge. It is the perfect view for architecture and Queens enthusiasts alike.
The edifice served as an aspirational piece or model for the company’s clients to see as they ventured into the masterful structure. The terra cotta structure once sat among factory buildings also owned by the architecture company, which were eventually demolished. For a few decades, the former headquarters sat in decay but reached official landmark status in 1982.
The Steinway Mansion in Astoria. Photo by Allison Kridle
The Steinway Mansion
18-33 41st St., Astoria
Surrounded by warehouses and quiet streets overlooking the East River stands the Steinway Mansion. Built in 1858 by Benjamin Pike Jr., the hilltop landmark was owned by William Steinway of Steinway and Sons from 1870 to 1926 and served as a summer home and showplace for the family. Pike constructed the mansion’s exterior with rough-faced granite blocks and cast iron for the exterior’s decorative details in the style of an Italian villa. Fancy!
“Visiting the mansion is something fun to do in Astoria and something to cross off the to-do list. You can’t make a whole day out of it because it’s a quick view of the outside. When I first saw it I wondered what its purpose was and what is it doing over here?” Astoria local Stephanie Walker said.
Unfortunately, the mansion is not open to the public, but the infamous outside is worth the walk. Did I mention it has a tower?
The Gnome Bench
10-50 47th Rd., LIC
There is no shortage of funky garden decor in western Queens, but LIC local Chris Carlson brought it to a whole new level when he made the Gnome Bench next to his house. The name pretty much says it all. It is a lovely blue bench surrounded by garden gnomes with other mystical and fun characters. The gnomes came with the property when Carlson purchased it.
Along with the gnomes, the bench contains a painted quote by author and poet Charles Bukowski that reads: “You are marvelous. The gods await to delight you.” The zany seat is open to whoever would like to enjoy it. Catch it around Halloween, and you just might see some zombies!
The Rudar Club. Photo by Allison Kridle
Rudar Club (United Miners Soccer Club)
34-01 45th St., Astoria
Even though the Rudar Club in Astoria looks like it is invite-only as the entryway is adorned with a logo of a ball sitting above a pickaxe and crossed hammers, you are welcome to go in and munch on some authentic Croatian-Istrian food in their basement. Bonus points if you are a soccer fan.
The Rudar Miners Club started in Astoria in 1977 when a group of immigrants from Labin, Croatia, who loved soccer, pooled their money and opened the club. While the establishment used to be members-only, anyone can partake in eating their delicious fuzi, soft bowtie pasta topped with veal sauce and a crepe with walnut filling known as Palacinke. In the colder months, make sure you get a seat next to the cozy fireplace.
Sculpture Center
44-19 Purves St., LIC
Once a building that housed a trolley repair factory, it is now the home of LIC’s Sculpture Center. The contemporary art museum was founded in 1928 and was initially called the Clay Club. In 2001, they set up shop in LIC to accommodate larger sculptures. They have been exhibiting emerging and established international and national artists ever since.
Now through Aug. 12, the center is showing “Tolia Astakhshvill: Between father and mother,” which is the artist’s first time exhibiting in the U.S. and artist Phoebe Collings-James’ ceramic sculptures.
If you want to escape the heat and avoid summer camp tours, Sculpture Center is the ideal place to discover a new artist and support innovative work.
Lawrence Cemetery. Photo by Allison Kridle
Lawrence Cemetery
35-10 20th Rd., Astoria
You probably would not know that historical figures and influential people are buried in the Lawrence Cemetery in Astoria just by looking at it. Behind the fence that sits on 35th Street and 20th Road are graves of Revolutionary and Civil War heroes, a Supreme Court Justice, lieutenant governors and NYC mayoral candidates, many of whom are from the Lawrence family.
The prominent cemetery was established in 1656 and was passed down to resident James Sheehan by his father-in-law in the 1960s. Sheehan has been maintaining the private burial ground, which is his backyard, on his own dime ever since. If you see him as you are passing by, he may give you a private tour to see the peaceful grounds.
Barbara Padilla, Sheehan’s longtime neighbor who was childhood friends with one of his daughters, recalls trying to have sleepovers in the cemetery and thinking one of the tombstone’s angel statues moved. Whether you want to catch a glimpse of a centuries-old headstone or stop by to give Sheehan a hand, the Lawrence Cemetery’s stories deserve to be heard.
*This story first published in the July issue of BORO Magazine.
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