Douglas Manor celebrating 100 years

The historic Douglas Manor is celebrating 100 years of being home to several hundred families.
Initially a settlement for Matinecoc Indians, Douglas Manor is located in Northeast Queens between Bayside and Great Neck Estates. In 1906, the Rickert-Finlay Realty Company bought Douglas Manor, which is 175 acres, and soon started selling parts of it. Now, approximately 550 families live there.
According to its website, Douglas Manor was &#8220planned according to a radical notion at the time: cooperative ownership of the mile-long waterfront.”
In order to create the residential area that currently exists, various deed restrictions were placed on those who purchased property, including limiting it to single family houses. Anything outside of that, including stores, churches and schools, was strictly prohibited. Instead, they were built at the site of the Douglaston, Long Island Rail Road stop.
The 20th century homes represent architectural styles such as Arts & Crafts, Colonial Revival, Mediterranean, Queen Anne and Tudor.
This historic area of Queens also includes the oldest tree in New York City or anywhere on Long Island. It is a white oak tree on Arleigh Road that is 600 years old.
Other highlights of the area include Douglas Mansion, a boat house and the Allen Beville House.
Douglas Manor was recognized for its historic quality in 1997 when it was designated a New York City Landmark.
&#8220It's one of the last refuges in the entire city of New York,” said Jerry M. Iannece, the chairman of Community Board 11. &#8220If you go into it you can set the clock back 100 years.”
Throughout the years, many notable celebrities have called Douglas Manor home. Among them were pianist Claudio Arrau, artist George Grosz, gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, artist Elbert McGran Jackson, professional swimmer/actress Annette Kellerman and actress/singer/dancer Ginger Rogers.
Iannece extended his congratulations to Douglas Manor as it celebrates its 100th anniversary while also wishing hundreds of more years.
&#8220I think it's a great community,” he said. &#8220It's a great asset. It's a jewel in the crown of New York City. It's a place that people should aspire to live.”