The Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association (MVPORA) partnered with Amazon’s DYN3 in Middle Village to help revitalize the historic Pullis Farm Cemetery in Juniper Valley Park.
With roughly 40 Amazon volunteers, local community stewards and civic leaders on hand, the group transformed what had become an overgrown and quiet corner of the park into a refreshed space of greenery and remembrance.
“Today was a super productive day,” said MVPORA President Paul Pogozelski. “We spread mulch, planted shrubs, and cleared leaves and debris to make this section of Juniper Park as beautiful as this community deserves.”
Volunteers from Amazon, guided by regional managers and site leads, brought more than 40 pieces of gardening equipment—including wheelbarrows, shovels, and rakes—not only powering the day’s cleanup but also supporting continued maintenance of the historic site.
Janene White, longtime steward of the Pullis Cemetery and a key figure in its preservation, was honored for her tireless dedication. “Her value to this park is immeasurable,” Pogozelski noted.
Joining the efforts was Sean McCabe, Deputy Chief of Staff to State Senator Joseph Addabbo, who didn’t hesitate to get his hands dirty in support of the project. Steve Fiedler from Queens Community Board 5 also lent his support to the cause.
The Pullis Farm Cemetery is more than just a green space—it’s a vital link to the area’s deep-rooted history. Established in 1846 and located near 81st Street and Juniper Boulevard North, it’s one of the last remaining Early American farm burial grounds in New York City.
The cemetery contains the remains of Thomas Pullis Sr., an English settler who purchased a 32-acre farm in Middle Village in 1822. His will mandated that the cemetery be preserved, a wish carried out to this day thanks to community involvement and partnerships like this one.
First restored in the 1990s by Ed Shusterich, founder of the non-profit preservation effort and Juniper Park Warden, the cemetery had long suffered from neglect. Today, however, it stands as a tranquil garden and a testament to Middle Village’s rich heritage.
Middle Village, once known as Nassau Heights, developed during the 1840s agricultural boom fueled by European immigrants. The Pullis family farm was one of many in the area, and its burial ground offers a rare glimpse into 19th-century rural life in Queens.
The recent cleanup aligns with ongoing efforts by the city and local groups to enhance the park’s East Lawn area, addressing landscaping, lighting, walkways, and other passive recreational improvements.
“Rain or shine, we’re committed to investing in our shared community spaces and promoting projects that clean our neighborhoods’ backyards,” Pogozelski affirmed.
Special thanks were extended to Juridia Nazareth, Michele Caggiano, Jayne Timo, Jim Hopkins, Elise Gauthier, and the full Amazon team for their commitment and collaboration.
