Ancient
Astoria
Living in a hip neighborhood, you
can’t help but wonder what’s next and
what’s new. Most Astorians are always
on the lookout for the newest, coolest
establishment, but don’t necessarily
consider what stood in the trendy
coffee shop or bar before its time.
Astoria native and professional
photographer Anthoula Lelekidis started
the photography project “Ancient Astoria”
to help Queens residents get a glimpse of
Astoria’s past or jog old memories. If you’ve
ever wondered what your favorite bagel
32 JULY 2 0 1 9
place looked like in the ‘80s, Lelekidis might
be able to help you out.
The photographer’s family history in the
neighborhood allowed her to start the
“Ancient Astoria” photo collection, which
features old or “vintage” scenes in Astoria
and old pictures of Queens residents.
Lelekidis grew up on 37th Street and
Ditmars. Her mother and father met in
a small town in Greece called Giannitsa
while living off the same block, and the
two lived in Astoria together in the early
‘80s. Lelekidis’ mom spent some of her
childhood living off 19th Street right in
front of Astoria Park.
“Ancient Astoria” first bloomed when
Lelekidis’ go-to bodega was closing down,
and she felt the need to document the
drastic change.
“On the corner there was this bodega I
would go to when I was little, and I grew up
with them getting soda and ice cream,”
Lelekidis said. “I got to know the guy that
owned the store, and we became familiar. I
noticed one day that the shop was closing,
and I was shocked because I never thought
EXPLORE YOUR BORO
Astoria photographer keeps local history alive
By ALLISON KRIDLE
Betty Melidis-Lelekidis, 1974 Broadway Liquors Hallet’s Cove