By The Times/Ledger
In 1904 Cord Meyer purchased six large farms and the area was named Forest Hills because it was adjacent to Forest Park and on high rolling ground. In 1909, Meyer sold 100 acres south of the railroad to the Russell Sage Foundation Homes Company. The result of that transaction was the Sage Foundation's development of the suburban residential enclave, Forest Hills Gardens. The quaint English country atmosphere of Forest Hills Gardens was carried over in the development of Kew Gardens (in 1912) on the site of a former golf course. It was named for Kew, the English village in which the Royal Botanical Gardens are situated. Soviet Jews have come in great numbers to Kew Gardens.
Both Forest Hills and Kew Gardens are delightful areas of the Borough with beautiful houses, tree lined streets, and private security areas. Austin St. & Metropolitan Ave. from Ascan to Yellowstone Blvd. are home to a wide cross-section of shopping and businesses, from upscale to good local delis, wonderful bars and restaurants. One of the finest community theatres in Queens, The Parkside Players, performs in Forest Hills at Grace Lutheran Church, 103-15 Union Turnpike, 497-4922, right across the street from Forest Park. Forest Hills is also home to The Alliance of Queens Artists, 99-10 Metropolitan Ave., 520-9842.
More info: Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, 268-6565; Community Board 6, 263-9250.
