A Weekend Marred

From preservationist/photographer Michael Perlman–

On Sun, May 23rd, around 8:15 PM, a 4-alarm fire began on 99th St between 66th Ave & 66th Rd in Forest Hills, NY, and firefighters also had to extinguish from the Queens Blvd frontage. I witnessed the bulk of the fire until 10:30 PM. I grew up in Forest Hills for the past 27 years, and have never seen such a potent local fire. There was way over 100 people at the scene. It felt as if a majority of the neighborhood came out to observe and mingle with their family and friends. Citizens united in solidarity. I observed tears and shock. A number of long-term mom & pop businesses which are dear to the neighborhood, such as a candy/convenience store, laundromat, a barber, a fruit store, and a dress shop amongst others were affected on the 99th Street side. Other shops that are rumored to have been affected on the Queens Blvd side are Trylon Liquors, Trylon Vet Care, and Danny’s Antiques. Rumor has it that the historic former Trylon Theater (ties to the 1939 World’s Fair) may have been affected. The famed Tower Diner (formerly Emigrant Saving Bank with the Colonial clock tower) had to be evacuated as well, and thick smoke poured out of its front doors. Thankfully, no one was killed, and at least 1 cat or other pets from the vet were rescued.

Perlman captured 129 photos from the early stages–examples below. More can be viewed by clicking here, and a fuller eyewitness account is on his blog. Wishing our affected neighbors a fast recovery during what can only be an awful time.

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