OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Cultivate an environment of civic minded community
residents who are committed to work for the civic
advancement and improvement of our communities; and,
the improved quality of life for all residents.

Larinda Hooks

President
East Elmhurst Corona Civic Association

Message from our President

It’s time for all of us to become more civic minded!

Together, we strive to ensure a great quality of life for our families, our children, and our elders. Our community residents are depending upon all of us to come together and care about the conditions of our communities.

The EECCA seeks to increase the visibility of our young residents, with a commitment to youth outreach and the creation of unique events and activities.

Whether you are home grown (born and raised in Corona or the ‘Hurst) or joined the community over the course of time, we all have watched our community evolve through many stages of change. Yet, there remains a wholesome environment that continues to lure good people to good people.

As a community resident, you are invited to join this friendly family of civic minded neighbors, every 3 rd Monday of each month (except on holidays) as we meet and work through our community issues.

Our History

In early 1950, a group of local homeowners decided to form an organization to address the needs and concerns of the community. The Earle’s home at 29th Avenue and Curtis Street (now the manse of the First Baptist Church) hosted many of those initial organizational meetings. A constitution was drafted and in 1951, the East Elmhurst Civic Association was formally charted. When the constitution was drafted, some of the members wanted to restrict membership to property owners only. After much discussion it was decided that “any and all residents of East Elmhurst are eligible for membership.” As the community grew, homes were no longer able to accommodate membership meetings. A committee was formed to approach the owners of the Club House located on Ditmars Boulevard to rent the space for future meetings. An agreement was reached and the Civic Association had a meeting place for the 3rd Monday of each month.

The Civic Association sponsored the famous Spring Neighborhood “Trip Around the World” where tickets were sold, and guided tours of designated homes were arranged. County Fairs were held for one week each summer on the Club House grounds. The husbands formed a Sandlot baseball team for the youth and youngsters later competed against other youth groups around the country. This would be the genesis of ELMCOR.

After many interviews by the Day Care Camp officials, a staff was hired to run the day camp. That was Borough President Helen Marshall’s introduction to the community. She was retained as Director of the Summer Camp. The camp became so successful it was continued on an annual basis for many years.

In the mid-sixties, the officers suggested to the membership that the Civic Association sponsor a day care center. Under the leadership of then President Jerome Hardeman, the building was erected at Gilmore Street and Astoria Boulevard. The center was later renamed, The Jerome Hardeman Day Care Center, in honor of his legacy and leadership.

In 1980, then President Emalena Davis urged the Executive Board to expand membership to include the residents of Corona. The recommendation was unanimously approved. The charter was amended and the East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association was incorporated. Over the years, the Association has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves. The subsequent creation of the Scholarship Program has allowed Civic to donate over thousands of dollars to community youth to support them in obtaining a college education.

The East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association has consistently provided a forum where residents can come together and work to preserve and defend our quality of life. Many wonderful men and women have committed their time and talents towards this end and we appreciate each contributor who served in such capacity of our over 70 year history!