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.

Ann Brown

President
East Elmhurst Corona Civic Association

Message from our President

Dear Members and Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your ongoing commitment to our community. Our civic association thrives because of your dedication, your voice, and your willingness to show up for one another. As we continue our journey, we will continue to focus on important initiatives that reflect our shared priorities. I encourage you to stay engaged, share your ideas, and participate in the conversations that shape the future of our community. Your involvement truly makes a difference. Our residents rely on us to unite and take ownership of our community’s well-being. Together, we build a better, stronger community for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to the work we will accomplish together. You are invited to join this friendly family of civic minded neighbors, every 3rd Monday of each month (except July, August and 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!