Forest Hills turning 100!

Forest Hills will be turning 100 this month.
Originally settled as Whitepot in the mid 1600’s, Forest Hills came to be when businessman Cord Meyer purchased 600 acres of farmland.
Meyer named the area in honor of Forest Park, the highest point in the vicinity.
Forest Hills was once the home of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, played at the West Side Tennis Club before it moved to the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
“I lived in Forest Hills all my life and I can’t think of another place that I would rather call home,” said Councilwoman Melinda Katz. “A person can stroll through tree- lined quiet residential streets, shop at an array of stores, dine at a variety of restaurants, or just relax at the many tranquil sitting parks. Forest Hills is home to many different cultures that live together, work together and play together. Forest Hills is a shining example of the perfect Queens neighborhood. I am so grateful to have grown up here and even more proud as a Councilwoman to represent such a magnificent community.”
Now, 100 years after its founding, the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce will begin its celebration on Sunday, May 21 with the sixth annual Forest Hills Festival of the Arts.
The street fair will take place between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Austin Street (between 69th and 72nd Roads) and will feature gourmet food, artisans, special merchandise and world-class entertainment.
The celebration continues in the summer with an outdoor concert series. New this year will be a Forest Hills Pops Concert in July and Jazz Thursday concerts in August.
And the Labor Day weekend street fair, held on Sunday, September 3 is a great way to get to know 100-year-old Forest Hills.
Running from 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Austin Street (between 69th and 72nd Roads), the fair will feature an antique car show, local merchants, jewelry, crafts, food, and more.
For more information, contact the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce at (718) 268-6565 or visit www.shopforesthills.com.