in Queens

What Queens looked like at the Turn of the 20th Century

Step back in time to the early 1900s, and you’ll find Queens, New York, buzzing with change. From bustling streets to quiet farmlands, Queens offered a little something for everyone. Let’s take a peek into this fascinating era.

While Manhattan’s skyscrapers were reaching for the clouds in the 1900s, Queens was still holding onto its rural roots. Farms dotted the landscape, supplying fresh produce to the city. Yet, change was in the air. Factories were popping up, offering jobs and drawing people from all walks of life. German immigrants settled in Ridgewood, Italians in Astoria, and African Americans established thriving communities in Flushing and Jamaica.

Life wasn’t all work and no play in Queens. The Rockaways, a thin strip of land stretching into the Atlantic, became a popular summer getaway. Families hopped on ferries and trains, escaping the city heat for sandy beaches and refreshing ocean breezes. Amusement parks like Steeplechase Park, with its gravity-defying rides and thrilling attractions, added to the excitement.

Coney Island’s Cousin: North Beach

North Beach, known as “Coney Island’s quieter cousin,” offered a more relaxed seaside experience. Families enjoyed picnics on the sand, while adventurous souls took dips in the ocean. The amusement park boasted a scenic railway, a carousel, and a dance hall where folks could cut a rug to the latest tunes.

Culinary Delights: A World of Flavors

Queens’ diverse population brought a smorgasbord of culinary delights. German bakeries filled the air with the aroma of fresh bread and pastries. Italian restaurants served up steaming plates of pasta, and oyster bars offered the freshest catches from the sea. In Flushing, Chinese immigrants introduced their unique cuisine, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the largest Chinatowns in the world.

The early 1900s saw a construction boom in Queens. The Queensboro Bridge, completed in 1909, connected the borough to Manhattan, opening doors for easier commutes and increased trade. Residential areas like Jackson Heights and Forest Hills sprung up, offering spacious homes and a suburban escape from the crowded city.

Getting Around in Queens

With the borough expanding, transportation became vital. Trolley lines crisscrossed the streets, connecting neighborhoods and ferrying people to work and leisure. Elevated trains rumbled overhead, offering a faster way to travel longer distances. The Long Island Railroad also played a crucial role, bringing commuters from the suburbs to the heart of the city.

Entertainment Extravaganza: Vaudeville and Nickelodeon

Queens residents knew how to have a good time. Vaudeville theaters showcased a variety of acts, from singers and dancers to comedians and acrobats. Nickelodeons, early movie theaters, offered silent films and flickering entertainment for a nickel. These venues provided affordable entertainment and a welcome escape from the daily grind.

#4 223rd Street and Merrick Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

223Rd Street And Merrick Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#7 Beach 19th Street and Seagirt Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Beach 19Th Street And Seagirt Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#8 Borden Avenue and DeBevoise Street, Queens, 1900s.

Borden Avenue And Debevoise Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#9 Borden Avenue and DeBevoise Street, Queens, 1900s.

Borden Avenue And Debevoise Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#11 Cloverdale Boulevard and Northern Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Cloverdale Boulevard And Northern Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#12 Colonial Avenue and Van Doren Street, Queens, 1900s.

Colonial Avenue And Van Doren Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#13 Colonial Avenue and Nassau Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Colonial Avenue And Nassau Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#19 Cross Island Boulevard and 7th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Cross Island Boulevard And 7Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#20 Cross Island Boulevard and 10th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Cross Island Boulevard And 10Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#22 Cross Island Boulevard and 30th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Cross Island Boulevard And 30Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#23 Cross Island Boulevard and 14th Road, Queens, 1900s.

Cross Island Boulevard And 14Th Road, Queens, 1900S.

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#24 Cypress Avenue and Summerfield Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Cypress Avenue And Summerfield Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#25 Ditmars Boulevard and 43rd Street, Queens, 1900s.

Ditmars Boulevard And 43Rd Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#26 Douglaston Parkway and 42nd Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Douglaston Parkway And 42Nd Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#41 43rd Avenue and Junction Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

43Rd Avenue And Junction Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#43 45th Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

45Th Avenue And Parsons Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#44 45th Street and Astoria Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

45Th Street And Astoria Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#51 60th Street and Metropolitan Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

60Th Street And Metropolitan Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#57 Willets Point Boulevard and Pilgrim Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Willets Point Boulevard And Pilgrim Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#58 Fresh Meadow Lane and 65th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Fresh Meadow Lane And 65Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#59 Fresh Pond Road and Madison Street, Queens, 1900s.

Fresh Pond Road And Madison Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#60 Fresh Pond Road and Menahan Street, Queens, 1900s.

Fresh Pond Road And Menahan Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#61 Furmanville Avenue and 77th Place, Queens, 1900s.

Furmanville Avenue And 77Th Place, Queens, 1900S.

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#62 Furmanville Avenue and 77th Street, Queens, 1900s.

Furmanville Avenue And 77Th Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#68 Hancock Street and Wyckoff Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Hancock Street And Wyckoff Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#69 Hawtree Creek Road and 130th Street, Queens, 1900s.

Hawtree Creek Road And 130Th Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#72 Hillside Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Hillside Avenue And Lefferts Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#76 Horace Harding Boulevard and Springfield Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Horace Harding Boulevard And Springfield Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#78 Washington Avenue and Willoughby Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Washington Avenue And Willoughby Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#84 Jamaica Avenue and Kew Garden Road, Queens, 1900s.

Jamaica Avenue And Kew Garden Road, Queens, 1900S.

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#93 Waterfront, Canarsie, Jamaica Bay, Queens, 1900s.

Waterfront, Canarsie, Jamaica Bay, Queens, 1900S.

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#94 Juniper Valley Road and 70th Street, Queens, 1900s.

Juniper Valley Road And 70Th Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#95 Kissena Boulevard and 65th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Kissena Boulevard And 65Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#96 Kissena Boulevard and North Hempstead Turnpike, Queens, 1900s.

Kissena Boulevard And North Hempstead Turnpike, Queens, 1900S.

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#97 Laurel Hill Boulevard and 58th Place, Queens, 1900s.

Laurel Hill Boulevard And 58Th Place, Queens, 1900S.

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#100 Lawrence Road and Fresh Meadow Lane, Queens, 1900s.

Lawrence Road And Fresh Meadow Lane, Queens, 1900S.

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#102 Little Neck Parkway and 60th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Little Neck Parkway And 60Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#103 Little Neck Parkway and Albert Street, Queens, 1900s.

Little Neck Parkway And Albert Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#104 Little Neck Parkway and 39th Road, Queens, 1900s.

Little Neck Parkway And 39Th Road, Queens, 1900S.

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#111 Main Street and Northern Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Main Street And Northern Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#112 Marathon Parkway and Schenectady Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Marathon Parkway And Schenectady Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#118 North Hempstead Turnpike and 98th Street, Queens, 1900s.

North Hempstead Turnpike And 98Th Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#119 Northern Boulevard and Linden Place, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And Linden Place, Queens, 1900S.

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#120 Northern Boulevard and Main Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And Main Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#121 Northern Boulevard and Main Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And Main Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#122 Northern Boulevard and Main Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And Main Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#123 Northern Boulevard and Bowne Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And Bowne Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#124 Northern Boulevard and Union Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And Union Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#125 Northern Boulevard and Union Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And Union Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#126 Northern Boulevard and Union Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And Union Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#127 Northern Boulevard and 147th Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And 147Th Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#128 Northern Boulevard and Parsons Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And Parsons Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#129 Northern Boulevard and 123rd Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And 123Rd Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#130 Northern Boulevard and 147th Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And 147Th Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#131 Northern Boulevard and 162nd Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And 162Nd Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#132 Northern Boulevard and 245th Street, Queens, 1900s.

Northern Boulevard And 245Th Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#133 Old Brook School Road and Newton Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Old Brook School Road And Newton Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#135 Parsons Boulevard and Highland Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Parsons Boulevard And Highland Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#136 Parsons Boulevard and 15th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Parsons Boulevard And 15Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#137 Parsons Boulevard and 76th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Parsons Boulevard And 76Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#138 Parsons Boulevard and Willets Point Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Parsons Boulevard And Willets Point Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#139 Parsons Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway, Queens, 1900s.

Parsons Boulevard And Grand Central Parkway, Queens, 1900S.

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#144 Pidgeon Meadow Road and Burndale Lane, Queens, 1900s.

Pidgeon Meadow Road And Burndale Lane, Queens, 1900S.

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#145 Pinegrove Street and 109th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Pinegrove Street And 109Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#147 Queens Boulevard and Woodhaven Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Queens Boulevard And Woodhaven Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#149 Queens Boulevard and Simonson Street, Queens, 1900s.

Queens Boulevard And Simonson Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#150 Queens Boulevard and Woodhaven Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Queens Boulevard And Woodhaven Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#151 Queens Boulevard and 55th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Queens Boulevard And 55Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#152 Queens Boulevard and 57th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Queens Boulevard And 57Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#153 Queens Boulevard and 62nd Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Queens Boulevard And 62Nd Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#154 Queens Boulevard and 83rd Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Queens Boulevard And 83Rd Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#162 Remsen Street and Alderton Street, Queens, 1900s.

Remsen Street And Alderton Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#163 Beach 101st Street and Edgemere Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Beach 101St Street And Edgemere Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#164 Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 94th Street, Queens, 1900s.

Rockaway Beach Boulevard And Beach 94Th Street, Queens, 1900S.

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#165 Rockaway Boulevard and 133rd Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Rockaway Boulevard And 133Rd Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#166 Rocky Hill Road and Bell Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Rocky Hill Road And Bell Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#168 Sanford Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, Queens, 1900s.

Sanford Avenue And Parsons Boulevard, Queens, 1900S.

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#170 Springfield Boulevard and 139th Avenue, Queens, 1900s.

Springfield Boulevard And 139Th Avenue, Queens, 1900S.

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#171 Springfield Boulevard and 138th Road, Queens, 1900s.

Springfield Boulevard And 138Th Road, Queens, 1900S.

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#172 Trains Meadow Road and Old Bowery Road, Queens, 1900s.

Trains Meadow Road And Old Bowery Road, Queens, 1900S.

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Written by Dennis Saul

Content creator and Professional photographer who still uses Vintage film roll cameras. Not that I loved London less But that i Love New York City More.

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