BAYSIDE, NY -     A new exhibit opening at the Bayside Historical Society on May 28^th details life as it was in the Bayside community 70 years ago, featuring photographs, memorabilia, documents, accompanying narrative, and reproductions of a local magazine, Bayside Life , published from 1939-1941.

An opening reception will be held at BHS's headquarters, the Castle in Fort Totten Park, at 7 p.m. on May 28^th , highlighted by period music performed by Belt Blvd. , an a cappella ensemble from Bayside High School.  During the event, long-time Bayside residents will also share their reminiscences.  Light refreshments will be served, and there is a suggested $5 donation.  Limited parking is available by reservation only:  718-352-1548.

The exhibit is entitled Bayside Life: On the Edge of Modernity , thusly named because Bayside was literally and figuratively on the brink of modernization during the era just prior to the U.S.'s entry into World War II. Bayside was on the edge of urbanization because of its proximity to Manhattan; was greatly affected by the newly constructed Cross Island Parkway (which opened in 1939); and was experiencing a population explosion (population had doubled from 14,000 in 1927 to 29,000 in 1939).  There was massive home construction (Bayside Hills had just been developed), and the little village had become a town.  Furthermore, the nearby World's Fair opened this year with a theme of "World of Tomorrow," contributing to an atmosphere of optimism following America's Depression years.

The publication Bayside Life, though short-lived, sought to promote a sense of community, hometown pride and neigh borhood spirit by focusing on local achievements and happenings at the exclusion of world affairs.  With war declared in Europe, Bayside residents pined for a time when neighbors knew each other and life was less complicated.   

The exhibit will be open through the next year.  For more information, visit www.baysidehistorical.org , or call (718) 352-1548.

The Bayside Historical Society is accessible by both public transportation (Q13 or Q16 bus to Fort Totten) and car:  Cross Island Parkway North to exit #32 (Bell Blvd.). 

BHS is dedicated to the preservation of Bayside and its surrounding neighborhoods, and offers a variety of cultural and educational programs, exhibits and events for the community throughout the year.  The Society is housed in the Officers' Club (the Castle) in Fort Totten Park, Queens, a NYC landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places .