When the 13 colonies declared their independence from the British; the area of Queens that eventually became Laurelton consisted of woodlands; ponds; and farms. This rural community gained some recognition when an attempt to build an upscale housing development for wealthy New Yorkers failed; but left in its place an elegant; new Long Island Railroad Station named �Laurelton.� In 1929; the stock market crash and Depression led New Yorkers to the discovery that home ownership was a thrifty alternative to renting. As Laurelton was a beautiful and safe area; real estate boomed. The neighborhood experienced a momentous ethnic change in the 1970s; and within 20 years 80 percent of Laurelton�s population was Afircan American and Caribbean middle-class professionals. Laurelton is in the eighth-wealthiest council district in New York City; and its reputation for beauty and community involvement continues.
#802454 in eBooks 2010-04-19 2010-04-19File Name: B0093P5LIE
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great gift for the Chicago history buff or the nostalgicBy EvelynBought this for my boyfriend who is from this neighborhood and he loved it. Its cool to look through and see how our tenacious city has changed so much and see how his neighborhood has grown.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. My old neighborhoodBy Chi GirlWas so excited to finally find a book written about my old neighborhood. Its a quick read however. I was disappointed that most of the book was about the early years of Lawndale-Crawford. My memories are of the 1950s and feel he could have written more about that time and all the wonderful Czech stores. You could walk from Kostner to Kedzie any time of the day. it was truly a very special area.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy James M. LukesGreat pictorial history. Worth the price.
