Remains of a Former Astoria Asylum

At Ditmars Boulevard and 26th Street, there’s a curious ramp leading to a dead end, with a pair of gateposts. A high school now occupies the rear of the site.

The ramp and gatepost are all that remain of River Crest Sanitarium, established here in 1896. Note the name of the asylum’s founder, “Jno. Jos. Kindred, M.D.” There is a Kindred Building on 31st Street near Ditmars, most likely named for U.S. Rep. John J. Kindred (1864-1937), a Virginia native who moved to Queens and was elected to the House of Representatives, serving from 1911-13 and 1921-29. Kindred, a physician by trade, founded several mental hospitals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. He was also a practicing attorney.

River Crest Sanitarium  had closed by 1961 and was replaced by Mater Christi High School, now St. John’s Prep, seen in the background of the present-day photo. The above two postcards show it in 1920 and 1940.

Also: 26th Street was formerly known as Kindred Street, in honor of the Virginia doctor/lawyer.