Preserving the Past, While Looking To the Future

They don't build 'em like they used to — and the Douglaston-Little Neck Historical Society has the pictures to prove it.

There are hundreds of photographs in this 21-year-old organization's archives, some dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. In many cases, these images are the only thing left of hundreds of now-disappeared structures which once abounded in Little Neck and Douglaston.

"They did a great job developing the area in a way which really respected the natural aspects of the landscape," said Douglaston-Little Neck Historical Society president Julia Schoeck.

With the society's emphasis on the past, one might think DLNHS had nothing to say about the area's present and future — but that's far from the case.

Beyond the organization's mission as caretaker of an impressive cache of photos, maps, blueprints, drawings and other artifacts from the Little Neck of yesteryear, Schoeck's group is the in the midst of an ongoing struggle to preserve and maintain the area's historic character.

That's including the distinctive architecture that has successfully dodged the wrecking ball of the late 20th and early 21st century.

Much to the chagrin of DLNHS members, the unique mix of High Style suburban homes, including the white clapboard houses and turn-of-the-century Victorian domiciles that predominated in Little Neck and Douglaston, are being quickly replaced by those with a less distinctive style.

"If you drive south past Northern Boulevard, you will see structures being developed that are quite different," Schoeck said. "We'd like to prevent them from being built on the peninsula. That's what landmark designation is all about."

In recent years, DLNHS has taken a prominent role in the fight to extend the existing Douglaston historic district south to approximately Northern Boulevard.

Once an area is designated an historic district, oversight over anything that is built becomes the responsibility of the Landmark Preservation Commission.

But Schoeck was quick to point out that each project in an expanding historic district would not be judged based on the style of the architecture, but rather on the scale of the building and the impact it has on the surrounding community.

"The LPC ensures that any new building which takes place inside it doesn't distort the setting of the area." Schoeck said. "And that's important."

Schoeck and other DLNHS members seem to be motivated in their current struggle by the yellowed images of a vanished era of opulence, graceful architecture and bucolic character.

In the archives are wonderful snapshots of children playing at the early private nursery school in Douglaston Manor, as well as old postcards sent by vacationers who'd escaped the city to what was then the countryside to relax.

"The permanent collection is just one of several great accomplishments the group has achieved through the years," Schoeck said. 

One of the initiatives undertaken by DLNHS is the restoration of Douglaston Village, as well as getting the street signs in the Douglaston Hill area restored to their original name.

And according to Schoeck, they're always looking for new members to join in the fight.

For more information on the Douglaston-Little Neck Historical Society, visit www.dlnhs.org.