I noticed that the Rita Brady Square sign has disappeared at the crossroads of Woodside, Roosevelt Avenue at 61st Street, where the Flushing El and the elevated LIRR Woodside station make an “X.” Apparently it was never reattached with the other street signs when a new dwarf davit post with an LED lamp was installed (these poles are taking over under-elevated lighting all over town. Who was Rita Brady? The co-founder of Woodside on the Move, a community organization organized in 1976, dedicated to providing social services including revitalizing housing, business, youth, culture and employment.
I know Woodside on the Move best, though, for its 1994 guidebook “Woodside: A Historical Perspective 1652-1994” by Catherine Gregory, chockablock with history and vintage photographs. The book is hard to locate in shops these days, but some of the local libraries may have it.
I shot this photo on a March 14, 2020 jaunt in Woodside and Astoria. As is my wont I post scenes I find interesting on Facebook during camera walks. Midway through I got a call from my pal filmmaker Heather Quinlan (her current project is the lost African Methodist Cemetery on Forest Avenue in Port Richmond, Staten Island), who exclaimed, “what are you doing outside, there’s a pandemic on.” I went home and pretty much didn’t budge outdoors the rest of March and April, but in May commenced on a comprehensive walk on every street in Little Neck and Douglaston, finally venturing further afield in June.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
12/16/25
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The Woodside Steak House and bar was on this corner. Back in the ’70’s and ’80’s, when I lived in Woodside, they served the equivalent of a Tad’s steak. It wasn’t great, but when you had a limited number of Dead Presidents in your pocket, not half bad.
Tad’s Steaks, the poor man’s Peter Luger.