Only the Drop Dead Know Queens

Is that Donald Manes?

Recent posts have focused on Brooklyn. Well, how else could I solve the BQE's most serious traffic problems? Beginning with yesterday's post from Cork Association of New York (aka, The Bantry Bay) in Long Island City, I begin to balance the scales a bit in Queens' favor. Thus, the new header photo above from the CUNY collection. It's labeled "Alley Pond Parkway." There is no such parkway; since Alley Pond Park is skirted by the Cross Island Parkway, I'm guessing that's it. Circa 1965, I'd say.

Queens is known for many things, including shady politicians and magnificent cemeteries, like the New Calvary Cemetery the BQE passes above. These photos are from a series by Bruce Gilden in which he set up a Mafia funeral in Queens. You can see more images and hear the photographer talk about the piece here. While it might not do much to dispel stereotypes of Queens, it's a nice piece of theater.

"Thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..."