Boerum Hill in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The History of the Hoyt Street Garden
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 1, 2021
1. The History of the Hoyt Street Garden Marker
Our neighbor, the New York City Presbytery, owns this land that was once a rubble-strewn vacant lot. With permission from the Iglesia Presbiteriana del Cristo Vivo, a group of neighbors led by Hoyt Street resident, Margaret Cusack, decided to clean up the space and create a community garden to be protected under the banner of the newly formed Hoyt Street Association. Money was raised at a one-day CIRCUS in August of 1974 and garden work started May 15, 1975.
Adults and children sifted out the bricks from the building that had previously collapsed. The loose bricks were used to create pathways, a wrought iron fence was installed and a "Tree of Life" mural was painted on the side wall. Flowers, trees and bushes were planted with the guidance of our original master gardener, artist Shozo Nagano.
Donations of plants and money from neighbors and local merchants plus many, many hours of hard work by volunteers added up to the Hoyt Street Garden that we all enjoy today.
Financial support for the Garden comes from our annual fundraiser, the Plant Sale, usually held at the end of April or the first week of May, in conjunction
this page online
Over the years, we have hosted concerts, story hours, dance performances, art exhibits, book giveaways and even a wedding reception. The Garden has suffered very little vandalism and part of the reason is that people know that the Garden belongs to everybody. Hundreds of free garden keys have been given out to neighbors and those who work nearby. Please put your Garden key on your key ring and use the Garden whenever you like: to meet with a friend, have lunch, rest after shopping, whatever The only rules are that when you are using the garden, leave the gate wide open and encourage others to come in. When you are ready to leave, just ask the visitors to come back another time. It is your responsibility to lock up when you leave the Garden.
We continue our tradition called "Free Stories in the Garden for children of all ages" at 7:00 PM
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 1, 2021
2. The History of the Hoyt Street Garden Marker
Neighbors and students from nearby schools decorate the garden for the winter holidays. If your child's class would like to participate, contact us. We are open to other suggestions of how to make the garden more accessible to the neighborhood.
We are delighted to care for and share this space. Please come and enjoy the greenery.
Pick up your own key at GRDN, 103 Hoyt Street, just across the street and enjoy your time in the garden!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1975.
Location. 40° 41.258′ N, 73° 59.23′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Boerum Hill. It is on Hoyt Street just south of Atlantic Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 98 Hoyt St, Brooklyn NY 11201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City and on Long Island. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Hoyt Street Garden (here, next to this marker); Pacheco & Lugo (within shouting distance of this marker); An 18th Century Well (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Cyril's of Turau Cathedral (about 700 feet away); Boerum Hill Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Did You Know? (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Did You Know? (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Did You Know? (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 518 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
