Born and raised in Jackson Heights, this was my local department store. We would go "up the Avenue" to shop all the stores along the way, to end at Fields. Afterwards, maybe over to Jahn's for ice cream. What a treat to see Fields again!

It looks like the department store grew another story, and ate the rest of the block. The second story windows and the short brick wall at ground level (on the right) match the original photo.

Sleek and minimalist modern architecture in a an old traditional neighborhood. I think it might have been quite a culture shock for some of the older residents.

I used to go to the Garden School at 79th and Northern Blvd in the late 1970s. Every school day I passed through this intersection, and never in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine it once looked like this! Now it's all cheap bodegas, 99 cent stores, cheap clothing, and cellphone stores. Unbelievable photo!

The Studebaker on the left is a 1949 Commander. The pickup nearby is a 1940s International. The truck on the right is a late 40s REO.

The vehicle close up on the left is a '47 Studebaker Commander "Land Cruiser", the wagon just behind it is a '49 or '50 Plymouth "Suburban". Interesting how those vehicle model names got recycled. Also, in front of the '49 Pontiac "Silver Streak" on the right, it's great to see that Harley Davidson "Servicar." My dad (who rode Harleys for over 60 years) called them "Servicycles." I think Harley guys like my dad preferred the latter.

The 1949 or 1950 Plymouth Suburban, second from left, enters a market filled with beautiful wood-bodied station wagons that will deteriorate at a much faster rate than this entirely new concept that will become the norm in just a few years. 1949 Studebaker Champion on left. On the far right it's a 1949 Pontiac Silver Streak and I can't identify the truck.