Forest Hills
Forest Hills was the product of Cord Meyer, attorney and innovative entrepreneur's creative imagination, that moved from England to New York. Started off by purchasing 600 acres of farmland in 1901 that was known as a "white pot". Several tales exist of what this name derived from. Some historians say that this area was purchased from the Indians for three white clay pots. However another story states that the name "Whitepot" came from Dutch word "whiteput" which means dried streamed bed (put meaning pit or hollow) as it was a site of dried up stream. Cord Meyer purchased six large farms and the area was named Forest Hills, because it was adjacent to the Forest Park and it was on the high rolling ground. In 1909 part of 160 acres was purchased by Russell Sage Foundation, and developed as a model residential community and was named Forest Hills gardens. Developers always intended this community to be in upper or middle class one. Frederick Law Olmstead Jr., son of the man who planned Central Park, laid out the development. By 1908 the Cord Meyer development company property stretched from 65th Avenue (west), to Union Turnpike (east), and from Metropolitan Avenue (south), past Flashing Meadow Corona Park, to Vleigh r
At this time Forest Hills depicts the contrast between gracious old and cosmopolitan new. Austin Street with its shopping spree represents a new generation whereas Forest Hills Gardens keeps the heritage of the first people that settled and builded this area. Originally homes were build for middle class workers still kept in immaculate condition. No expenses were spared during the construction of the English style Tudor mentions. Nowadays these homes can be purchased from $1 million to $2 million. Forest Hills Gardens Corp. still maintains its own streets the gutters, sewers and parks, tree care and traffic management, and exercises strict control over the outside architecture of all houses. All roofs must be of terracotta red tiles. Forest Hills offers a wide range of sporting activities. During the wintertime when West Side Tennis Club is closed Emllio's ski shop located at 112-32 Queens Boulevard offers daily and weekly trips to major ski resorts of new York area. In summer time they offer a mountain bike rides to Hunter Mountain as well as hiking trips to Catskills Mountains. Owner told me that in 1958 and the fruit store was converted into a ski shop. Since then the original 900 square foot storefront has grown to 4000 square foot store featuring separate snowboard store, ski shop, winter skiwear, with great in-line skates and skateboard selection. Ever since the ski shop remained very popular among Forest Hills residents. Many years have passed, but customers keep coming back because of Emelio's stuff that's very knowledgeable and passionate of their sports. Owners noted that during the winter of the September 11th they had an increase in bus trip sales, which indicated that people were willing to get away from their problems more than usual. I was explained that all winter and summer outdoor activities help people to unwind and relax after a long week at work. Next place I visited was "5 Borros Cafe" which is located not far away from Portofino restaurant. I interviewed bartender Alex who is also happened to be a resident of Forest Hills. I was told that September 11th tragedy slightly impacted people mentality. They became less ignorant and more patient to others. Also I was told that people drink as much as before which indicates that his customers getting over the tragedy and want to have as much good time as before. Barnes and Noble bookstore was quite impressive with this selection of books on Forest Hills. I interviewed several employees of the bookstore, as well as the employees of the adjacent Starbucks coffee shop, which is located at 70-00 Austin Street. I was told the bookstore holds one hundred thousand titles. The store stuff consists of 50 knowledgeable book lovers of Forest Hills community who are ready to find any book that customer interested in. I was surprised to find out that before this store was opened Barnes and Noble buyers spent a lot of time studying the community, local publishers and authors. After the opening of the store manage
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2018
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)
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