If anything, in 1931 Winchester Boulevard was a bit more developed than Hillside Avenue out in Hollis Hills. Both were dirt roads that got muddy in a hurry after the rain. Not much going on here that year, but looks can deceive. A forlorn service station stands on Hillside at left. But consider that “Model Homes” shack on the right. Already, developers had their eyes on this stretch of Hollis Hills near the Creedmoor Hospital complex, which replaced the Creedmoor Rifle Range of the 19th Century. Street names like Winchester, Musket and Range pay tribute to it.
Already, gateposts marking what would be 233rd and 234th Streets have been installed. And, note the buildings off to the right.
Those Spanish Colonials…unusual for Queens side streets this far east…are still there, on 233rd and 234th Street. Undoubtedly the development had a name, which I have yet to find. If you look at this section in 1940sNYC the area had been built up, with paved streets and curb trees, all in the span of nine years.
In 2022, both Hillside Avenue and Winchester Boulevard are multilane behemoths. With a touch of class on the side streets.
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4/30/25