John Bowne House
In 1661, he moved to a small, English-speaking community
in Flushing. His house was a meeting spot for Quakers, who
practiced their faith despite threats from the government. His
residence was allegedly a stop on the Underground Railroad as
well. Nine generations of Bownes lived in the wooden-frame
English Colonial saltbox until 1945, when they donated the
property to the Bowne Historical Society. It is the oldest domicile
in Queens. With a pitched roof and three dormers, the museum
combines common architectural features from English and Dutch
styles. It displays roughly 5,000 objects (furniture, clothes, textiles)
that the family acquired over more than three centuries. There
is also a collection of rare books and correspondence that offers
insight into the civil and political activities that surrounded the
family.
Inside scoop: Though he didn’t sign it, John Bowne was a leading
force behind the Flushing Remonstrance, a 1657 petition to the
New Netherland’s government requesting freedom to practice
Quaker worship. The document is considered the precursor of the
freedom of religion provision in the Bill of Rights.
Address: 37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing,
www.bownehouse.org.
VOELKER ORTH MUSEUM
In 1881, German immigrant Conrad Voelcker, who ran a printing
business with his brother, built his dream house in Flushing.
He loved his garden. And so did his daughter, Theresa Voelker
(notice spelling change), who married Rudolph Orth, and their
daughter, Elisabetha Orth.
Today, the Voelker Orth property is distinguished by its
Victorian garden, which contains many of the most popular
plants and berry bushes of the late 19th century. These plants are
maintained the old fashioned way, with time-honored gardening
38 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com