In 1940, the Queens mid-town tunnel was finally completed and it connected Long Island with midtown New York City. Thr Tri-Boro bridge was also completed the same year. It was a tremendous accomplishment for a country in the middle of a depression. The previous year the fantastic World's Fair of 1939 celebrated "The Future of the World" at Flushing Meadows. But this was our day, the day that the new Mid-Town Tunnel and the President came to Long Island City.



After FDR completed the formal ceremonies of officially opening the Tunnel he directed his motorcade to go through our little community. He rode down Jackson Avenue made a turn and came onto Vernon Blvd at 49th Ave(old 4th Street) at the foot of the Penny Bridge. The car slowed down so all the people, some hanging out their windows but most on the streets would be able to see him. It was a glorious sunny day, his convertable top was down and in the usual Roosevelt manner he gave us the biggest smile while he raised his hat waving it at all the people.



He rode past the trolley station, the butcher shop, The Noral Diner then past St Mary's Church. The cars proceeded down Vernon Blvd all the way to 21st Street where he proceeded to go to Astoria then on to the new Tri-boro Bridge and performed the opening ceremonies there. But we were so proud that our community of Long Island City was first.



Everyone has their own memories of that day none more vivid than a 7 year old hanging out the window of his apartment with his immigrant grandmother (who had tears in her eyes). When he looked up I felt that he was looking straight at me giving me a big Roosevelt hello,