Woodside

Have you ever wondered what “bad waters” could possibly give rise to a thriving community? Here in Woodside, Queens, that’s exactly what happened. Native Americans called this area a place of “bad waters”. Early European settlers described it as a land of marshes and bogs. Yet, this seemingly inhospitable terrain blossomed into the Woodside we know today. Woodside is a fascinating blend of old and new, a testament to the waves of immigrants who have called it home. In the 19th century, Woodside was part of the Town of Newtown. The neighboring area of Winfield essentially merged with Woodside, sharing a post office and gradually losing its distinct identity. By the 1860s, Woodside transformed into a predominantly Irish American community. It remained so, with about 80% Irish residents in the 1930s. This strong Irish heritage is still palpable today, evident in the numerous Irish pubs and restaurants that dot the neighborhood. In the early 1990s, a shift occurred. A wave of Asian American families, including a large Filipino community, began to settle in Woodside. This resulted in a vibrant mix, with Asian Americans now comprising around 30% of the population. More recently, South Asian and Latino communities have also added to Woodside’s rich tapestry of cultures. Woodside’s diversity isn’t just demographic; it’s woven into the fabric of its culinary landscape. Here, you can find everything from traditional Irish fare to authentic Thai, Filipino, and South American cuisine. Woodside’s streets are lined with cultural restaurants and pubs, a delicious reflection of its multicultural heart. One notable example is “Little Manila,” a Filipinotown stretching along Roosevelt Avenue from 63rd to 71st Street. The area is brimming with Filipino-owned businesses, from cafes and restaurants to remittance centers and professional services, all catering to Woodside’s substantial Filipino population. Woodside isn’t just a place of diverse cultures; it’s also a place of unique traditions. It’s home to the St. Pat’s for All Parade, New York City’s only Saint Patrick’s Day parade that explicitly welcomes members of the LGBTQ+ community. This inclusive celebration, running from Sunnyside to Woodside, was founded in response to the exclusion of LGBTQ+ groups from the Manhattan St. Patrick’s Day parade. Woodside’s history is also preserved in its landmarks. The Moore-Jackson Cemetery, established in 1733, is a poignant reminder of the area’s early settlers. And despite the constant churn of city life, Woodside still holds onto traces of its past. The Long Island Rail Road’s double-decker station, built in 1869, and the IRT Flushing Line station, built in 1917, stand as testaments to the neighborhood’s enduring connection to the city. This unique neighborhood offers an authentic taste of Queens, a place where history, culture, and community converge. Woodside is more than a neighborhood; it’s a story. A story written by generations of immigrants, etched in its streets, and celebrated in its diverse cultures and traditions.