Rockaway Express by scarlatti2004 on Flickr.
Today Metro New York highlights a new documentary- in-progress to be screened tomorrow at the Museum of the City of New York. It will feature the story of Rockaway Beach’s bungalow community, which thrived throughout much of the first half of the twentieth century, but has now dwindled down to 400 or so homes.
As train service was extended from New York and the immigrant population swelled, people would escape stifling tenements and venture out to Rockaway Beach. Over time, the area became a summer destination for the working class, where as many as 7,000 small bungalow houses were enjoyed throughout the summer months.
Old Rockaway Photos A great collection of historic images from the Rockaways.
Forgotten NY Offers a great look at the neighborhood and its history.
The alumni of Far Rockaway High School have a great site filled with photos and memories of people and places in the area.
The Bungalows of Rockaway, a film by Jennifer Callahan and a slide presentation by Anthony King, author of The Bungalow: The Production of a Global Culture. After the screening, architectural journalist Eve Kahn will moderate a panel discussion including Jill Eisenstadt, author of the novel From Rockaway, and urban architectural historian and author Andrew S. Dolkart. NYC Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe will make the introductory remarks. Museum of the City of New York, November 13, 6:30 P.M., $9.00.
Unfortunately many of the modest, respectable homes in the area built during boom-times have not fared so well.
Ever Been to Rockaway Beach? by deepfruit on Flickr.
