The names of our neighborhoods often carry rich histories and fascinating stories. The Greater Ridgewood Historical Society led by the late George Miller has spent years collecting information about these names, preserving the heritage of our communities.
From Columbusville in Maspeth to Crematory Hill in Middle Village, these names offer a glimpse into the past. Let’s explore some of these historical subdivisions and their unique stories.
Columbusville: A Name Lost to Time
Columbusville in Maspeth was first mapped in 1854 centered along Mazeau Street on the southerly side of Grand Avenue. Initially, it referred to the area bounded by Grand Avenue on the north, Caldwell Avenue on the south, Brown Place and 69th Street on the west, and 75th Street on the east. Over time, the name shifted to refer to the northerly side of Grand Avenue from 68th Street to about 72nd Place.
The name Columbusville is believed to have been originated by Frank Monteverde who operated a picnic park and hotel in the area as early as 1848. However, the name’s usage declined in the final two decades of the 19th century and had likely disappeared by 1900.
Cooper Heights: A Brief Identity
The name Cooper Heights was first applied to a 1908 development by the Markert Realty Company located from the east side of 73rd Place to the rear of the lots along the westerly side of 75th Street and from 68th Avenue south to Cook Avenue. Within a few years, the name expanded to include the land east of the original subdivision and north of Cooper Avenue.
This area was once part of the old Dry Harbor farm of Nicholas Wyckoff which later became known as Glendale. Wyckoff’s large house, located at the southeast corner of Cooper Avenue and 74th Street eventually became Hillen’s Glendale Hotel complete with a picnic park to the south. By the late 1904 the Brooklyn postmaster took responsibility for city delivery in Glendale, effectively ending the identity of Cooper Heights as part of Middle Village.
Crematory Hill: A Somber Landmark
Crematory Hill refers to the high ground near the Fresh Pond Crematory at Mount Olivet Crescent just south of Eliot Avenue in Middle Village. The name dates back to at least the early 1900s possibly even the late 1880s shortly after the crematory’s opening.
Drumm Park: Honoring a Community Educator
Drumm Park located at the intersection of Cypress Hills StreetCooper Avenue and 65th Place in Glendale, was formed in the late 1920s when a diagonal roadway was constructed at Mount Carmel Cemetery. The park was dedicated on May 31, 1932 to honor J. Wesley Drumm a prominent educator who had passed away on June 8, 1930 at the age of 68.
The Alumni Association of P.S. 91 initiated the memorial to honor Drumm, who had served as principal of four schools in the Glendale community. The park features a rough stone monument with a suitable plaque, commemorating his contributions to education.
