Some say that life is nothing more than a series of memorable moments strung together to paint a picture. Each contributes to the picture, gives it shape and definition, and leaves its indelible impression. It can be painted over, but what lies beneath will always exist. The picture of Queens has been painted since the mid 17th Century (though the canvas was stretched long before then, and some rough sketches were previously penciled in). Every memorable action, from the signing of the Flushing Remonstrance to the Mets’ Miracle of 1969 to the Son Of Sam terrorizing Forest Hills has contributed to this artistic form.

In 1970 the Queens Tribune was founded, and we started to fill in some of the canvas, painting with delicate detail most of the time, but using bold, wide strokes at other times as the focus of the scene required.

For the last 36 years we have shaped this picture of Queens. We have helped give it form and depth; we have helped explain its meaning.

We don’t know if this picture will ever be finished, frankly we expect it will go on being painted forever. Every now and then, though, it is important to step back and observe the work in progress; to look back at what stands out, the parts we consider masterpieces, and at those we wish we could alter or simply paint over.

Turn the page and join us as we hang the painting for all to see, as we celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the Queens Tribune, and as we display a history of this place that we call Queens.

This edition featured some of the most interesting news stories of the last half century, as well as a handful of those that give perspective to trends Queens has experienced throughout the last few hundred years.

But what will really stick, and what is just fleeting?

In preparation for the World’s Fair of 1939, Westinghouse created a time capsule and put timely and relevant materials within to be preserved for 5,000 years – tooth powder, a film camera, a pack of cigarettes, an asbestos cloth, anthracite coal and more.

But there were plenty of other items inside, not the least of which was the recording of Roosevelt quoting Lincoln at Gettysburg some 75 years earlier. Though it may not be what we remember today of 1939, it nonetheless served the purpose of the time capsule well; it cast a bit of light onto what was considered important – not just immediately, but also from a historic perspective – to the people of 1939.

The stories we chose for this edition were the ones that we at the Tribune felt carried the most weight and left the longest-lasting impressions on Queens. Will the selection be the same 10 years, 100 years or 5,000 years from now? Probably not. But that’s not what this edition was about.

This was a look back at Queens from today’s eyes – a time capsule for 2006. As times marches onward, we may find that our big news from today may be as timely or long-lasting as tooth powder or an asbestos cloth.

So hold on to this capsule of history. It may all change tomorrow.