Street named after Henry Clayton
By Tangerine Clarke
“Henry Clayton led an
extraordinary life of entrepreneurship,
service, and joy. From
founding the first Black-owned
travel agency in the community
to serving as a role model
for young people, his contributions
to Southeast Queens will
never be forgotten,” said Council
Member Adrienne Adams,
during a June 17 unveiling of
the street sign – Henry Clayton
Street, at the intersection
of 137th Ave. and 169th Street,
Queens to honor the community
leader.
“Clayton’s legacy and impact
on the Rochdale Village community
is now memorialized
through the new “Henry Clayton
Street” sign, which was unveiled
on the day of his birthday.”
“Henry Clayton led an
extraordinary life of entrepreneurship,
service, and joy. From
founding the first Black-owned
travel agency in the community
to serving as a role model
for young people, his contributions
to Southeast Queens will
never be forgotten,” said Council
Member Adrienne Adams.
“I was proud to celebrate his
life and impact with Kevin Livingston,
Tanisha Phillips, and
the entire Clayton family, as
well as our local elected officials.”
“Now, just steps from his historic
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business, members of our
community can look up to see
the new street sign that pays
homage to the legacy of Henry
Clayton,” said Adams, who represents
the 28th District, that
encompasses Jamaica, Richmond
Hill, Rochdale Village,
and South Ozone Park.
“We appreciate Council Member
Adams and her staff for honoring
my dad’s memory for generations
to come,” said Kevin
Livingston, founder of 100 Suits
for 100 Men and the son of
Henry Clayton.
Born on June 17, 1943 in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, Clayton
spent his early years in Harlem,
New York. He attended PS 103,
James Fenimore Cooper Junior
High School 120, and Central
Commercial High School in
Manhattan. As a teenager, Clayton
excelled in track and field,
particularly in the 100-meter
dash and long jump.
After graduating from high
school in 1961, he was drafted
into the United States Army,
where he served for two years.
After his military service, Clayton
worked as a head teller and
manager at Carver Bank. He
also worked as a route salesman
for the Frito Lay Company
for 20 years, servicing parts of
Jamaica, Queens. Following his
entrepreneurial dreams, Clayton
later entered into a joint venture
to start his own pest control
business, C&H Exterminators.
In March 1988, Clayton cofounded
Council Member Adrienne Adams, of the 28th District,
Queens, left, with family members of Henry Clayton holding
the street sign unveiled at the intersection of 137th
Ave./169th St. named for ÒHenry Clayton,Ó founder of 100
Suits for 100 Men. Council Member Adrienne Adams offi ce
Henden Travel on Foch
Boulevard with three employees.
Three years later, Clayton
and the travel agency secured a
storefront in the Rochdale Village
Center, across the street
from Citi Bank. Henden Travel
provided services including
notary services, airline ticketing,
hotel booking, travel insurance,
and packaged tours.
In 2003, Clayton and his wife,
Denise, decided to leave the cold
weather behind and start a new
chapter in Melbourne, Florida,
where they enjoyed their
time with longtime friends and
neighbors. Clayton also enjoyed
Bible study every other Saturday
and outings to his local
Walmart. Clayton passed away
in January 2019.
“Henry Clayton, Jr. was a
fine citizen of Queens. His philanthropy
and entrepreneurship
have left a lasting legacy
throughout Southeast Queens
and he deserves to have the
permanent honor of this street
renaming,” said Queens District
Attorney Melinda Katz. “Everyone
in this community will have
the opportunity to celebrate Mr.
Clayton’s example.”
Henry Clayton street sign
being unveiled by Council
Member Adrienne Adams
of the 28th District, Queens.
Council Member Adrienne Adams
offi ce
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