Addisleigh Park is a small community, roughly triangular in shape, that consists of single family homes within the borders of Sayres Avenue on the north, 180th Street on the east, Linden Boulevard (formerly Central Avenue) on the south and Marne Place on the west. Originally this land was occupied by Rockaway Native Americans. It was appropriated by the Dutch in 1655, and eventually ended up in the hands of the English before becoming private property. During the 1800s four families -- the Remsens, Everitts, Ludlums and Hendricksons -- dominated the area which was then devoted to farming. It would be the parcels of land owned by Elliott Remsen that would become the larger area of Saint Albans and, within it, Addisleigh Park.

     Change came about with the annexation of Queens to New York City, which occurred in 1898. Following that, two major transportation arteries were opened. The first was the railway bridge in 1902. This brought industry to Queens by providing a direct rail link to the old established town of Jamaica with industrial centers within the city. The second artery was the Queensborough Bridge, constructed in 1909. These events opened Queens up to major development, both industrial and residential. They had a profound effect on Queens in general and Addisleigh Park in particular.

     During the year of 1909 Addisleigh Park was sold to developers, who in fact shaped the ecology of the community into what exists today. Over the years, houses were built on available lots until the community consisted of approximately seven hundred homes. Addisleigh Park, once predominantly white, went through a process of "white flight" during the 1940-1950 era following the Shelly v. Kraemer Decision. In this decision the Supreme Court ruled that, "private agreements to exclude persons of designated race or color from the use or occupancy of real estate for residential purposes do not violate the Fourteenth Amendment, but it is violative of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment for state courts to enforce them."

     As the white population left this area and moved farther east, middle class and affluent Blacks replaced them. Included in the newcomers were some of the most influential people in the African American community. Many of them were entertainers. "Count" Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, "Duke" Ellington and James Brown are just a few of the entertainers that resided in this area. Although these stars eventually left for even greener pastures, the neighborhood they left behind has stood the test of time. It continues to be one of the most sought after Black residential areas in New York. Political and religious organizations add to the community. Included are the Allen A.M.E. (African Methodist Episcopal) and St. Albans Congregational Churches.

-- Adapted from the Queens College Masters Thesis of Michael Turner -- Addisleigh Park Resident