structure in continuous use for religious purposes. It is also the
second oldest Quaker meeting house in the United States.
The early Quakers did not use headstones until the mid 1820s,
so it is difficult to determine all of those who are buried in
the graveyard, but it is the final resting place for a number of
prominent Quakers. Noted abolitionists William Burling and
Matthew Franklin, Samuel Leggett, who founded The New York
Gas Light Company, John Murray Jr., who co-founded the Free
School Society and The Society for the Manumission of Slaves,
are a few.
Inside scoop: There is worship every Sunday at 11 am, and the
house is open for tours. All are welcome, but it’s best to call
ahead of time to make sure it’ll be open.
Address: 137-16 Northern Blvd., Flushing, and www.nyym.org.
FORT TOTTEN/BAYSIDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Founded in 1964, the Bayside Historical Society maintains two
landmarked properties: the Officers’ Club at Fort Totten Park,
where the society is based; and the Lawrence Cemetery, located
in a wooded area at the corner of 216th Street and 42nd Avenue.
The Officers’ Club, also known as “The Castle,” boasts a Gothic
Revival style. Completed in 1887, the building served as a mess
hall and club for the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
The Lawrence Cemetery was granted to the Lawrence family by
Dutch Governor Willem Keift of New Amsterdam in 1645. It is
the final resting place of Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence, mayor
of New York City from 1834 to 1837.
Inside scoop: Fort Totten Park was an active Army base from
1857 until 1995 and the home to four major Army hospitals
since the Civil War. The Fire Department of New York presently
controls about one third of the property and the NYC Parks
Department controls another third.
Address: 208 Totten Ave., Bayside, and www.baysidehistorical.
org and www.forttottenparks.org.
KING MANOR
Rufus King (1755-1827) was the youngest signer of the United
States Constitution, a senator, an ambassador to Great Britain,
and a candidate for president. He was also an early voice in the
anti-slavery movement who employed and paid workers rather
than practice slavery on his farm in Jamaica.
90 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com