LEADING MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS CITY OF BROOKLYN TOWN OF FLUSHING
Almost every page of the early history of Long Island town's bristles with points of thrilling interest and that portion of it relating to Flushing is by no means devoid of them. Its settlement was one of the earliest in the country, and the village as it stands to-day is one of the youngest and handsomest on the north shore of Long Island. It is situate about eight miles east of Brooklyn, on Flushing bay, the Flushing and North Side railroad, and a branch of the Long Island railroad. The details of this early history, interesting though they be, we cannot rehearse here. The original settlers were Englishmen, who came hither from Holland, and planted themselves on this spot in 1645. The new settlement was named Vlishing, or Vlissengen, in accordance with a suggestion of the neighboring Dutch, which in time became Anglicized into Flushing. The plantation seems to have sprung at once into a prosperous groove, and in 1647, when but two years old, was deemed "wealthy." "Shell money" was the coin in vogue hereabouts in those days, and silver was fearfully and wonderfully rare so much so, indeed, that the finding by some one of an old English shilling in the roadway was made the subject of public and earnest inquiry, till its ownership was traced to the man who kept the store in the place. About the year 1666 the settlement received an important and grateful accession by the arrival of several Huguenot families, who were driven from France by the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. These people were, in fact, the creators of the place, so far as regards its distinguishing arboricultural features. It was they who discovered the marvelous richness of the soil and those happy climatic conditions that proved so favorable to the propagation and growth of certain trees, shrubs, and plants, specimens of which they had brought with them from the Old Country. It was the introduction of these that led to experiments by English gardeners, and the establishment of the gardens which finally resulted in the splendid nursery system at this place, which has become so prosperous and famous. The first settlers of Flushing were members of the Society of Friends, and they presently became the objects of persecution in various ways on the part of the New Netherlands government. The oppressive measures to which they were constantly subjected aroused a spirit that resulted in the overthrow of Dutch supremacy and the restoration of Flushing to the English in 1674. In the year 1700 the entire population, inclusive of slaves, numbered about five hundred. Very considerable progress had been made, however. Several grist mills had been erected and set in operation and a highway opened to Brooklyn, but the chief business operations with the latter city were at this time carried on by means of canoes and pirogues plying up and down the East river. Some potteries were established in the latter half of this century, but by far the most important movement was the opening of the Prince Nurseries. The inauguration of this enterprise at once gave an impetus to the town's growth greater than any it had hitherto received, to whose success, and that of similar ones following in its wake, may be referred a large share of the prosperity and good fortune enjoyed at the present time by its people. The village of Flushing as it lives and moves to day offers many and peculiar inducements, both natural and acquired, as a place for permanent residence. Located at the southern point of Flushing bay, it has Newtown on the west and Jamaica on the south, with the cities of Brooklyn and New York but a half hours ride distant by rail. There is no spot within equal distance of these metropolitan centres where so remarkable and complete a combination of rural beauties and urban advantages is to he found. It is almost inconceivable that so many families should live themselves in these cities when they can command everything that makes life worth the living at less expense here than there. Here are the sweetest of air and a moist atmosphere, broad and well-kept streets, good gas, sewerage, police, and fire systems a community remarkable for its intelligence, and dashed with the flavor of old-time traditions. Excellent free schools and plenty of them, taught by teachers who have no superiors in the grades covered by them, open their doors to the children of its people. A High School prepares youth for college, while Fairchild's Institute, a young ladies' seminary, St. Joseph's Academy, St. Michael's, and other similar institutions, complete its educational outfit. Its business enterprises are many and projected upon a modern scale. One daily and two weekly newspapers serve its citizens with local happenings and events; a national and a savings bank provide ample financial facilities, and the inviting altars of eight religious organizations keep alive and active the devotional spirit of its inhabitants. Superior hotel accommodations are a noticeable feature, and the mineral springs in the vicinity are much sought and highly appreciated by reason of the medicinal properties held by their waters. Conspicuous among its rural characteristics and a constant source of increasing prosperity are the arboricultural and horticultural enterprises of Flushing. Those old Huguenot families were wiser than they knew when they planted the bell pear and lady apple trees, many of which still remain to mark their original dwelling-places. The humble plant which they made shows rich and luxuriant growth in the extensive nurseries and gardens, whose fruit and bloom are now productive of so much fame and fortunes. The present population of Flushing approximates seven thousand. With Special Thanks to: Cathy Harrison Speciale Transcribed exclusively for the Brooklyn Genealogical Information Pages: Nancy E. Lutz Back To PROGRESS Main Back To BUSINESS Main Return to BROOKLYN Info Main Page