THE topography between 64th Street and 65th Place at 53rd Avenue in Maspeth was deemed to hilly to build a road so instead, a pedestrian staircase connects the two routes, between two separate apartment complexes.
In 2016 the staircase was named Easter Rising Way, commemorating the centennial of the Easter Rising, or Easter Rebellion, in which Irish Republicans staged an armed rebellion against the British Crown while it was otherwise occupied during World War I. The rebellion was unsuccessful, but Ireland’s southern counties gained independence in 1920. The name was proposed by then-Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley; persons of Irish descent are prominent in the region. Elizabeth’s cousin Joseph Crowley was a US Representative for parts of Queens and the Bronx before he was primaried and defeated by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
At one time it was my belief that Connolly’s, a popular restaurant on Grand Avenue, was named for James Connolly, one of the rebellion leaders, but I have since been disabused of the notion. Maspeth, though, has a hardy Irish contingent that is somewhat outshone by its immigrants from eastern Europe.
A Type F lamppost midway on the staircase is Maspeth’s only object recognized by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, amazingly enough, though the neighborhood has lost some of its older artifacts in recent years.
As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
3/17/22