Naval Militia Armory
"All work on this Naval Militia Armory in Queens was done by WPA labor." National Archives and Records Administration, Neg. 2187-C.
Description
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed additions to the drill hall at the Naval Militia Armory in Whitestone, New York.
“The only active, federally-recognized Naval Militia with continuous, unbroken service to the Country and State for more than a century and a history stretching back to the Revolution, housed in the former club house of the Whitestone Yacht Club.”
“The New York Naval Militia’s heritage spans over two centuries, dating back to the American Revolution. The first naval battle of the Revolutionary War was fought on Lake Champlain in 1776 by New York Militiamen manning the ships of a small American squadron.”
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Naval Militia Armory verso
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Armory cornerstone
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Naval Militia Armory
Source notes
https://www.communitywalk.com/location/ny_naval_militia_armory/whitestone/queens/military_sitesstructures/1348340
www.dmna.state.ny.us
The New York Times: "$52,410,007 SPENT BY WPA IN QUEENS," Sept. 27, 1937 (pg. 23)
Project originally submitted by Brent McKee on April 5, 2017.
Additional contributions by Evan Kalish.
We welcome contributions of additional information on any New Deal project site.
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I was one of the two petty officers who were in the Armory when it was bombed in 1970. The next day, I accompanied the CO, Willard Spratt to the Naval District headquarters. The Commandant talked to both of us in his office before he spoke rather disrespectfully to CMR Spratt and relieved him of his command for what he had said to the media. I felt very badly for him, but understood the Admiral’s decision. I’m not too sure it was appropriate to do it in my presence. The building was fairly heavily damaged in the area of the shops on the lower level.
Dear Mr Tompkins,
I was born and raised in Beechhurst and passed this building many a time, never knowing what it was. A naval base in my hometown? A museum? A BOMBING? (before I was born)
How I wish you could tell me everything about the place. Or at least point me to suitable references.
Thank you for your service.