Once known as South Side, imagine Eltingville evolving into a vibrant neighborhood. Eltingville is located on Staten Island’s South Shore. It sits between Great Kills and Annadale.
Eltingville owes its present name to the Elting family. They were prominent settlers in the early 19th century. The community’s main business district sprang up around the railroad station. This station is near Amboy Road and Richmond Avenue.
In the early 20th century, Eltingville saw a wave of Scandinavian immigrants. Many were Norwegian. These families shared common surnames like Hansen and Johnson. To differentiate, people used nicknames like delicatessen Hansen. Model Patti Hansen, wife of Keith Richards, is a granddaughter of one of these families.
The Scandinavian influence meant you could buy herring in wooden barrels. People would take them home and pickle them. The Eltingville Lutheran Church was founded by Norwegians. Henry W. Erickson, a charter member, built the church. He was also a contractor. Many older homes in Eltingville were built by Scandinavian carpenters.
Optimo Cigar, a popular cigar store chain, originated in Eltingville. Paul Alan Moe, a Norwegian man, founded the store. It was next to the Eltingville train station for many years. Although the store closed in the 1990s, Greek-style columns remain as a reminder.
After the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge opened in 1964, Eltingville experienced significant growth. Farmland was developed into new homes. The once rural area became part of the city. This caused logistical problems, including a lack of sewer lines.
Today, Eltingville has a large Italian-American population. Many Italian-owned businesses thrive here. Eltingville also has a growing population of Russians and other ethnic groups.
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church is a landmark. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Eltingville is served by several bus routes. These include the S54, S59 and S78. The Staten Island Railway also serves Eltingville. Several express buses terminate at the Eltingville Transit Center.
Comic book creator Evan Dorkin once worked in Eltingville. His comic book series, The Eltingville Club, is set in the neighborhood. Actor Steven Seagal once lived here.
Eltingville has transformed from a rural area to a diverse and thriving neighborhood. Its history is rich with cultural influences. From Scandinavian settlers to Italian-American businesses, Eltingville has a unique story to tell.