The headstone of Mary Eldert, a 19th century Woodhaven civic leader, was found in the backyard of a home on 86th Street in 2002
Photo by Josephine Wendell
A mystery grows in Queens.
The Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society last week uncovered more information on a 19th century area resident and civic leader, including where she is interred; however, it seems that the story of Mary Eldert has only just begun.
While Eldert’s tombstone turned up about 12 years ago in the backyard of a house on 86th Street, until recently it was believed that she was buried in the Wyckoff-Snediker Family Cemetery on 96th Street. But Eldert, who died in 1891 at the age of 91, is actually interred in a family plot in Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens under the name Lott, according to burial records. Lott is Eldert’s daughter’s married name, noted Ed Wendell of the WCHS.
“It’s interesting,” he said. “It’s a puzzle…a mystery to be solved.”
The headstone of Mary Eldert, a 19th century Woodhaven civic leader, was found in the backyard of a home on 86th Street in 2002
Photo by Josephine Wendell
Wendell added that the WCHS now has a five-person team dedicated to researching Eldert and her story. After purchasing an obscure book titled “The History of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodhaven,” they learned that Eldert was part of the committee responsible for building the church on 92nd Street near 101st Avenue.
“This person raised money and built something and it’s still there, still serving its original purpose well over a hundred years later,” said Wendell, adding that the WCHS is in contact with a direct descendant of Eldert who lives outside of New York. “It’s kind of like pulling threads out of an old blanket—you’re getting closer to the mystery.”
Wendell went on to invite intrigued area residents to the Wyckoff-Snediker Cemetery this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon to help beautify the grounds and learn more about Woodhaven and its history.
“I think it’s real important that we show respect to our past,” he posited. “When you show respect for what has come before, you’re teaching young people how to respect their current communities.”
By Michael Cusenza
