Elmhurst

Understanding Elmhurst

Old St James was built in 1735-36 in what was called Newtown Village. A larger church opened nearby in 1848, and the older building became a parish hall and chapel. Its later Gothic and Stick Style details show how the structure changed.

The Moore homestead site was acquired for subway construction in 1930; the buildings were demolished in 1933. The playground preserves the family name, not the original house.

The new library opened in 2016 with reading areas for different ages, an atrium, gardens and a glass-cube room facing Broadway. Its memory wall places local history within a working public building.

Places to explore

• Old St James Church

  86-02 Broadway

  Look at the meetinghouse shape and later decorative details from outside. Landmark designation does not establish a regular public interior; check the responsible congregation before planning entry.

  Read the NYFE place guide

• Moore Homestead Playground

  Elmhurst

  Choose the play area or sitting spaces, and look for the site's connection with the former estate. A 2020 reconstruction added an amphitheater, native planting and upgraded play facilities.

• Elmhurst Library

  86-07 Broadway

  Look at the glass reading room from Broadway, then use the branch for reading, computer access or a program from its current calendar. The operator lists wheelchair access. Check opening before visiting; the 2016 project description does not guarantee present garden access.

Planning a visit

The library, church and playground are separate destinations. Choose one before checking current transit.

Ask the church about interior visits, and check library garden opening and playground conditions before including them.