Victory Field, which was converted from an eyesore into a state-of-the-art athletic facility in 1925 and dedicated to the memory of “The Unknown Soldier of the World War.” On June 14th, residents from Woodhaven and surrounding communities will gather to celebrate Woodhaven’s 190th Anniversary and Victory Field’s 100th birthday.
By the time you read this, June 14th will be just over two months away—which means Woodhaven’s 190th Anniversary Celebration and Parade at Victory Field is right around the corner!
You can register your group or organization to participate in the parade by emailing projectwoodhaven@gmail.com. Groups from Woodhaven or neighboring communities around Forest Park are welcome to march around the track and celebrate both Woodhaven’s 190th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of Victory Field.
Back in the early 1920s, the large plot of land at Woodhaven Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue was described in the Leader-Observer as “a dump heap and an eyesore.” But in 1925, Queens Parks Commissioner Albert C. Benninger unveiled plans to transform the space into a state-of-the-art athletic facility, complete with a four-lane quarter-mile track, six baseball diamonds, basketball and handball courts—all for a cost of $100,000 (roughly $1.8 million today).
As for the name, in the aftermath of the First World War, communities were looking for ways to honor the young men who went off to fight and never came home. And so, as the brand-new park neared completion Commissioner Benninger announced that it would be named “Victory Field” in honor of ‘The Unknown Soldier of the World War’ from Woodhaven and Richmond Hill.
Victory Field was officially dedicated on Sunday, December 6, 1925, before a crowd of several thousand people, old and young. Veterans from Woodhaven and Richmond Hill were in attendance, including members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Spanish-American War Veterans.
They were also joined by local members of the Grand Army of the Republic, whose members fought in the Civil War. Imagine that – veterans from the United States Civil War marching around the track at Victory Field!
The ceremony began with a triple-salute from an eight-man firing squad, followed by a moving moment as a bugler played taps, answered from across the field by a second bugler’s echo.
American Legion Post 118 played a central role in the event, with their commander, John Pasta, serving as Chairman.
Just weeks after opening as freezing temperatures set in, the Parks Department flooded the track at Victory Field, turning it into a frozen rink for local ice skating, a cherished memory for generations.
After the ceremonies were over, spectators were treated to a race featuring William Plant, a ‘racewalker’ from Ridgewood who had competed in the 1920 Olympics. Plant was seeking to beat the single-hour walking record of 7 miles, 1,437 yards and 4 inches. He was also looking to best the eight-mile walking record of 1 hour, 1 minute and 34 seconds.
But more than halfway through the race, it was apparent that Plant was going to fall far short of both records and so he abandoned the attempts and said it was due to darkness.
Just weeks later, as freezing temperatures set in, the Parks Department flooded the track, turning it into a frozen rink for local ice skating, a cherished memory for generations.
Now, 100 years later, Victory Field will once again be a place of celebration. On June 14th, residents of Woodhaven and neighboring communities will gather to honor the area’s rich history. And all other veteran groups and organizations are welcome to join us and march in the parade to honor sacrifices of those who served and lost their lives in World War I.
In addition to the parade, the celebration will include a Flag Day ceremony at the cement ballfields (with a bounce house and other activities for children), an art sale featuring local artists, and a vintage baseball game between the New York Mutuals and a local team, played by 1880s rules. After the game, kids will be invited onto the field for old-time baseball workshops.
This special event is made possible by the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society, the Forest Park Trust, Councilwoman Joann Ariola, and the Woodhaven Art Circle. Make sure you save the date and tell your friends and neighbors.
