Ever wondered where baseball’s all-star games began? Corona in Queens holds that distinction. Let’s explore this vibrant New York City neighborhood. Corona is a multicultural hub with a rich history. It sits in the borough of Queens. Corona borders several other neighborhoods. These include Flushing, Jackson Heights, and Elmhurst. Its main streets bustle with activity. You’ll find Corona Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue, and Northern Boulevard here.
Corona’s story begins as West Flushing. In 1872, developer Benjamin W. Hitchcock renamed it. Another story says that Thomas Waite Howard, the first postmaster, suggested the name Corona in 1870. He called it the “crown of Queens County.” Still another says the Crown Building Company inspired the name. Italian immigrants used the Italian or Spanish word for “crown” or corona.
In 1854, real estate speculators started Corona. The New York and Flushing Railroad also came to the area. It served a new race course. At the Fashion Race Course in 1858, the first baseball games with paid admission occurred. These games between Brooklyn and New York All-Stars are considered the birthplace of professional baseball. A trophy baseball from this tournament sold for almost $500,000 in 2005.
After World War II, many African-American musicians, civil rights leaders, and athletes moved to Corona. The neighborhood saw ethnic shifts. In the 1950s, Italian-Americans and African-Americans gave way to Dominicans. The late 1990s brought a new wave of Latin American immigrants. North of Roosevelt Avenue was the heart of the African-American community. The corner of 108th Street and Corona Avenue is the Italian-American center.
Today, Corona’s Hispanic community includes Dominicans, Colombians, and Ecuadorians. You’ll also find Salvadorans, Guatemalans, Bolivians, Peruvians, Mexicans, Venezuelans, and Chileans. There are also Asian Americans, Italian Americans, and African Americans.
Dorie Miller Residential Cooperative stands as a landmark. Built in 1952, it honors Doris “Dorie” Miller, a Navy hero from Pearl Harbor. He was the first African-American to receive the Navy Cross. Jazz greats Nat Adderley and Jimmy Heath lived here. Publishers Kenneth and Corien Drew, and Judge Henry A. Slaughter also resided here. Marie Maynard Daly, the first African-American woman with a Ph.D. in chemistry, spent her childhood in Corona.
The Louis Armstrong House attracts many visitors. It preserves the legacy of the famous musician. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
The Lemon Ice King of Corona is a neighborhood favorite. Peter Benfaremo founded it in 1944. It is located at 52nd Avenue, Corona Avenue, and 108th Street. The shop is known worldwide since it appeared in the opening credits of “The King of Queens”.
Corona Plaza at Roosevelt Avenue and National Street is now a community space. It was once an underused lot. It now hosts community programs.
Corona’s population was about 110,000 in 2010. The neighborhood is mostly Hispanic. Other groups make up a smaller share than in the borough overall. Corona is divided into Corona and North Corona.
Corona has changed over the years. It continues to evolve. Its rich history and diverse culture make it a unique place in New York City. From baseball beginnings to famous residents, Corona has a story to tell.