Thursday, 06/17/2004 Entry: "Saturday 12th: Jackson Heights Opens its Doors"

This day continues to accumulate points of significance for me by the year.

The first time I participated was in 1999. Before then I had no clue as to the heritage of my community. Beginning in the early 1920's or so, developers realized Jackson Heights as prime luxury real estate. The rich flocked to these complexes - among the oldest cooperatives in the country - which were far enough away from Manhattan yet easy enough to get to it via Northern Boulevard. There was a nearby country club and the convenience of shops. The most unique aspect of these buildings were how they would run around a single block; the backs faced a common area, usually utilized as a garden or private park. Many of the oldest of these have maintained their grounds. For a modest contribution to the local preservation org you get to tour these once a year.

You learn as you go. The residents welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Mine usually pertain to who does the gardening (contractor? Group of volunteer residents, etc.) and of course I like to take pics.

In 2000 the day was spent in the ER. I couldn't walk and it would take four months to fully regain that ability. So 2001 was the big achievement. In 2002 Seven came to visit and we went together, but something was wrong; my feet tired out too quickly. In addition to pacing myself in 2003, I also borrowed Seven's old digital camera when the battery on my SLR went out.

Thls year I've got an even more demanding challenge physically and must learn to pace myself. A treat is that a new garden has been added on the tour. It' s a block I pass all the time on the way to work. Heh, it's the place where that tree fell on that car...

It's always great to learn new things. For example two Neo-Georgiancomplexes situated blocks apart - the new Hawthorne Court and the ivy leaguesque Elm Court - both offer two apartments per floor and one elevator between them. The elevator opens out into the apartment instead of a hallway and were the first automated, pushbutton elevators in Queens. Opposite the elevator door is one which opens out to a staircase.

And the tree? Bet you wonder what happened. Well, according to residents, at about 3am that Saturday night/Sunday morning, the tree just came down. They theorized that while repairing the sidewalk sometime back, a key support root might have been cut. Maples like to spread their roots close to the surface. They're usually not preferred for lining sidewalks because they'll damage the pavement.

Wonder what's going to go in its place?