We came across this post by the Gothamist folks from last spring (before the birth of this website) and were delighted by these old photos of Queens, that ranges from as early as 1890. This photo of the Elmhurst Gas Tanks astounds us – they’re like the tallest things around.

elmhurst-gas-tanks

Image source: Gothamist

UPDATE 3/1/13: A commenter (H/T/ bookmobile on Gothamist) shares with us that these are NOT the Elmhurst Gas Tanks, but a location in Astoria:

The gas tanks were in Astoria – at the northern end of 21st Street (20th Avenue). Google Maps shows their footprints are still there. The water in the background is the East River, the big building on the right is PS 122, and the picture was, no doubt, taken on the viaduct by the Hell Gate Bridge.

And this shot of the Queensboro Bridge being built is also pretty amazing.

queensboro-bridge-construction

Image source: Gothamist

Definitely stop over and check out more of the photos. We’d love to know your favorite, either via a comment here or over on twitter at @queensnycity.

14 Photos Of Queens From Before You Were Born [Gothamist]


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. I thought the same thing. On the original article someone pointed it out in a comment:

    bookmobile:
    The gas tanks were in Astoria – at the northern end of 21st Street (20th Avenue). Google Maps shows their footprints are still there:
    http://maps.google.com/maps?q=

    The water in the background is the East River, the big building on the right is PS 122, and the picture was, no doubt, taken on the viaduct by the Hell Gate Bridge.