July 4, 1925: How Our Forest Hills Ancestors Celebrated

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Spotlight on Patriotism in Forest Hills Gardens

 By Michael Perlman

Originating in 1914, Forest Hills Gardens committees and residents coordinated annual Fourth of July Festivals in an exquisitely decorated Station Square, often with additional activities at the Forest Hills Inn and Tea Garden, Olivia Park, Hawthorne Park, and along Greenway Terrace and Flagpole Green, formerly Village Green.

Among the most historic sequence of Forest Hills events transpired on July 4, 1917, when Colonel Theodore Roosevelt delivered his “One Hundred Percent American” unification speech on a lavish platform affixed to the LIRR Station in front of 5,000 guests, addressing WWI. A year prior, the official Forest Hills Gardens flag was raised for the first time on the Fourth of July.

A century ago, no expense was spared when it came to approximately 15-hour Independence Day celebrations. Now it is time to turn back the clock to July 4, 1925, which marked the 149^th anniversary of America’s independence. The Celebrations Association of Forest Hills Gardens Inc. was ready to offer an unforgettable experience.

At 9:30 AM, the 30-piece Parental School Band led a parade, which culminated at Forest Park. Representatives from the Forest Hills Masonic Lodge No. 946 at 108-01 Queens Boulevard, the new Lions Club, and the Forest Hills Association were ready to march, in addition to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Legion members, and directors and officers of the Celebrations Association.

At 10 AM, the patriotic exercises would begin. Colonel George Vidmer (1871 – 1952) was scheduled to deliver the principal address. Another highlight was his dedication of the captured German cannon, which was slated for a permanent exhibition in Forest Hills Gardens. Today, its whereabouts are unknown.

Colonel Vidmer was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism in action, while serving as Commander of the 306^th Infantry Regiment of the 77^th Division during WWI. He was also the recipient of the Croix de Guerre in response to the Battle of the Argonne Forest.

Albert Sidney Howson (1881 – 1960) presented a Declaration of Independence recital, where he sang alongside a chorus of the community’s children under the guidance of Corinne Greene.

Howson, who resided at 34 Tennis Place, landed roles in 21 plays for major names, including Shubert, Frohman, Belasco, and Proctor. He appeared in Hamlet, Twelfth Night, and As You Like It. Wearing another hat, he was once president of Forest Hills Gardens Celebrations Association. On Flagpole Green, his personality was most evident as he applied his drama skills to Memorial Day speeches, where he quoted Shakespeare and wore a cape. He would also become president of The Community House in the early 1930s, and was a scenario editor and censorship director under Warner Bros.

An address on the subject of Defense Day was provided by Colonel Ward J. MacNeal (1881 – 1946), a New York City resident and native of Fulton, Michigan. During WWI, he was a Trench Fever Commission member, and a colonel of the Army’s medical reserve. His many positions included being an anatomy and bacteriology teacher, and serving as president of the Association for Cancer Research and president of the American Association of Pathologists and Bacteriologists.

The American Legion led the flag-raising exercise. It was followed by Gardner Osborne conducting the children’s games, the best annual highlight for local children of the era.

At 4 PM, Olivia Park, Forest Hills Gardens’ naturally formed amphitheatre, became the setting of the annual patriotic graceful dancing. George W. Cunningham directed this event, and Roger Kahn’s Hotel Biltmore Orchestra provided the repertoire. Town Criers Edward S. Swazley, Harvey T. Warren, and Irving Hare added much tradition and assembled the attendees.

Nearby in front of the 109^th Street entrance to Forest Park, a newly erected WWI memorial would be unveiled. Civic and political organizations from Richmond Hill, as well as members of Forest Hills and Kew Gardens, attended a salute to the brave souls who perished, and heard a patriotic address and a chorus of patriotic songs. The committee chairman was James Pasta. The Richmond Hill War Memorial, which bears homage to the brave community members, was designed by William Van Allen, who is the Chrysler Building architect. It was commissioned by the Richmond Hill War Memorial Committee and Gold Star Mothers Association of Richmond Hill. The statue component, which is named “My Buddy,” is a product of Joseph Pollia from Italy.

A Forest Hills Gardens celebration called for glorious expression, as in the case of author Gertrude Knevels (1881 – 1962), a Forest Hills Gardens Audubon Society secretary who wrote “Station Square – A Fourth of July Impression,” which read:

Old Glory from the Tower looks down.
To bless the folly of the town,
Lights, laughter, color everywhere –
Wise folks like happy children there,
At play in Station Square.
Far over all the clear night sky
Spreads tender hands – What hurries by? –
It is the train that grumbling goes,
Bearing the world and all its woes
Away from Station Square!

Around 1915, Newtown High School English teacher Adele M. Shaw composed “The Flag That’s Floating Over Forest Hills” for The Forest Hills Bulletin, which read:

“Tramp, Tramp, Tramp”

Look! Look Up! The flag is flying!

All the air with glory thrills!

Look and linger while the glow

Burns across its rippling flow,

And salute the royal flag of Forest Hills!

Look! Look up, above above the Greenway!

Where the mighty winds are free!

In the calling of the gale

Hear the word that will prevail

And salute the royal flag of Liberty!

Look! Look up! In consecration,

Waile the weak endure the wrong!

Wake to save what hate betrayed!

Wake to make the wrong afraid!

And salute the flag of freedom and the strong!

Hail! Hail! Hail! Our flag is flying!

Rouse ye, stout and lusty wills!

All who fight and all who dig

Working still for something Big,

For the flag that’s guarding us and Forest Hills!

Look! Look up! Into the splendour,

That the light of heaven fills!

Give yourself with might and main

To the dream that cannot wane,

To the flag that’s floating over Forest Hills!

Reflecting upon a rich history, Forest Hills Gardens Foundation 1st Vice President Mae Wu shared an impression of the early annual celebrations: “There was a time when Independence Day in Forest Hills Gardens was nothing short of magical—a true hallmark of community spirit. In the early 1900s, the Fourth of July was more than a national holiday; it was a cherished neighborhood tradition that brought families together. From the earliest morning hours, the Gardens would come alive with patriotic energy. Children paraded through tree-lined streets with flag-draped bicycles, while neighbors gathered in Station Square for music, speeches, and old-fashioned games. There were sack races, pie-eating contests, and even the occasional theatrical performance—echoing a time when neighbors were not just familiar faces, but extended family. At Station Square, the heart of our community, festivities bloomed with brass bands, choral performances, and stirring speeches honoring the Founding Fathers. More than a celebration, it was a reminder of community, tradition, and the enduring spirit of the Gardens. Those days live on in memory, a golden chapter of neighborhood history.”

Today, patriotism continues to echo in a modified form through Children’s Day and Flag Day festivities. Children’s Day, presented by the Celebrations Association of Forest Hills Gardens, will be held on September 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM on Flagpole Green. The entertaining agenda may consist of a family-friendly pet show, rides, and traditional games from a century ago alongside up to date favorites. Flag Day was canceled in June due to stormy weather conditions.

 

If a reader has photos or clippings from the July 4, 1925 large-scale festivities, please email mperlman@queensledger.com