Hope everyone is doing well. Yesterday, I did a little exploring here in the city and found myself in Addisleigh Park, Queens. I had never heard of this neighborhood until recently. Once I learned some of the history I knew I had to make the trip.
During the 1940s, Addisleigh Park became a prominent Black neighborhood where the likes of John Coltrane, James Brown, and many others called home. Today, many of these homes are still standing. There are lots of interesting houses - many in a Tudor style. I got a few suspicious looks when I was walking around, but when I explained why I was there the folks I spoke with were happy and proud to discuss the local history. It was amazing to see this neighborhood so well preserved and to imagine so many of my heroes living in one place. I snapped some photos - check them out below. Cheers!
Other notable residents include Illinois Jacquet, Milt Hinton, Roy Campanella, Percy Sutton, Cootie Williams, Mercer Ellington, Fats Waller, Brook Benton, and the many neighbors who continue to make this a thriving community.