St. Albans
Tuesday April 26, 2005
St. Albans in southeastern Queens got the spotlight in the Daily News "St. Albans' New Blessing," highlighting the influx of Afro-Caribbean folks to the neighborhood.
St. Albans, a bastion of the city's African-American middle class for most of the last century, is the new neighborhood of choice for Caribbean-Americans looking to move up the economic ladder.
St. Albans is famous for the jazz musicians who called it home, like Cab Calloway, John Coltrane, Lena Horne, Fats Waller, and Ella Fitzgerald. Plus local TV celebrity Al Roker grew up in St. Albans. Even Jackie Robinson lived in St. Albans.
They are claiming this tranquil corner of southeast Queens for their shops and restaurants, leaving behind overcrowded rentals in Brooklyn.
These days, if you're visiting the neighborhood (St. Albans LIRR is easiest), try Jean's for West Indian food (Jean's Caribbean-American Restaurant, 188-36 Linden Blvd, Saint Albans, NY, 718-525-3069).
A quick check on Craigs List shows attached houses listed for $300,000 and detached homes for $500,000.
Comments
ST ALBANS WAS ALSO THE HOME OF BROOK BENTON AND WILLIAM AND CATHERINE BASIE. (COUNT BASIE) WHEN I WENT TO ANDREW JACKSON H.S., THE BASIES LET US USE THEIR BACKYARD POOL. HE NEVER HAD A PIANO IN THE HOUSE. HE PLAYED THE ORGAN AT HOME. REALLY NICE PEOPLE.
I lived in St. Albans as a child during WWll and all I can say is that it was magical. We lived in one of the attached homes that were like something out of a Disney movie. To this day, I can say that my happiest years were spent in this wondous town.
One thing, though. I remember the St. Albans Naval Hospital when I was a child. It definitely was there before 1950. Why is it said that the hospital, now the Vets home, was built in 1950?
If you know, please get in touch.
Thanks,
Charles Rubin
Growing up in Saint Albans during the 1960’s was great. I have fond memories of Basie, and James Brown. They were spotted often by the neighborhood children.
I was stationed at St Albans Naval Hospital from 1961-1964. I have always wondered what hapened to the hospital. I thoroughly enjoyed my time their and had a lot of good times in St.Albans. I have lived in NC since the late 60’s. Today I ran into a gentleman who was from St. Albans. He was not familiar with the history of the hospital however it brought back a lot of good memories too me.
I was born in Midland General Hospital In St.Albans Queens in 1961.I can’t find any information about this hospital anywhere. It’s like it never existed. Has anyone ever heard about this hospital or has it changed names. I was wondering if it had anything to do with the US Naval Hospital in St Albans.
i was born at saint albans naval hospital on march 22 1962 my father was in the u.s.navy his name is robert lee lane if any one has any information on his whereabouts please by all means e-mail me at markymark388@yahoo.com i havnt seen him in 42 years. thank you
A favorite poem, “No Apology” by Andrew McCarter had St Albans, Queens 1964 after it. Who is Andrew McCarter? I had looked for this poem since high school (1973) and recently found it from “Doug” on myspace. A million thanks, have loved it and lost my copy decades ago. A powerful,yet somewhat humble statement.