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February 6, 2004 06:26:05
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History of Flatbush
Part of one of Brooklyn's original Dutch towns established in 1652. It's name derived from the Dutch vlachte, with bios, a "flat plain" with "woods", anglicized to Flatbush. It included areas now known as Kensington, Windsor Terrace, East Flatbush, Brownsville, East New York, New Lots and Cypress Hills.
Begun as a rural farming community, it grew into a religious, educational and cultural center. After the Civil War, Flatbush was transformed from a colonial village into a suburban area, in large part due to the development of Prospect Park. The neighborhood quickly expanded as a result of the appearance of the Railroad in 1880, windmills and homesteads giving way to progress. In 1894 it became part of the City of Brooklyn. The 1920s saw the construction of high rise apartment buildings along Ocean Avenue, mixed in among historic one family homes, built to accommodate masses of immigrants.
This area, located in the middle of the borough, epitomizes Brooklyn's diverse and cultural mix. The Flatbush of the 1940s was oft depicted in Hollywood movies, as is today's Flatbush.
Served byCommunity District 14
Zip Codes: 11203, 11226
Claims to Fame:
This area is home to several Historic Districts, among them, The Ditmas Park Historic District, designated as such in 1981 and The Prospect Park South Historic District, designated as such in 1979.
The Flatbush Dutch Reformed Church (890 Flatbush Ave) was ordered built by Dutch Governor Peter Stuyvesant in 1662 and was completed in 1796.
Erasmus Hall High School (911 Flatbush Avenue ) was built in 1737 as a prestigious private boys academy. It houses the Museum of Education which effectively embodies an 18th century boarding school, complete with antiques and reproductions.
Among the graduates of Erasmus Hall High are colonial patriot and first Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, singer/actor Neil Diamond, singer/actor Barbra Streisand and opera star Beverly Sills .
Emmy award winning television star, Mary Tyler Moore was born and raised in Flatbush until the age of ten.
Noted author Bernard Malamud hails from Flatbush.
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