Named after German immigrant Conrad Poppenhusen, The Poppenhusen Institute in College Point was home to the nation’s first kindergarten. Tribune photo by Ira Cohen

By Liz Goff

How Many Are There?
More than 75,000 people of German descent call Queens home, almost half of whom live in highly-populated neighborhoods in Glendale and Ridgewood.

Who Are They? When Did They Get Here?
They are the great-grandchildren and grandchildren of German settlers who arrived in Queens long before the Revolutionary War, and during the period of European immigration from 1920-1930.
German immigrants played a large part in the Continental Army, forming Gen. George Washington's personal security envoy during the war.

Between the years 1852 and 1854, more than half a million Germans arrived in New York City. They headed to Queens, to establish farms and settle undeveloped areas.

Perhaps the best-known Germans-American family name in Queens in Steinway-master piano makers, entrepreneurs and builders of a community.

The Steinways came to the U.S. in 1859 on a German port steamer from the city of Bremen. 33 years later, William Steinway would be listed among New York City's "400 Millionaires."
The family went on to establish a piano factory at the tip of Astoria, where Steinway continues to manufacture the "grand" instruments. Along the way the Steinway family created the Steinway Village, settling-down the first residential units in the area adjacent to the factory. In 1872, "10th Avenue" in Astoria was renamed Steinway Avenue-which as grown to the current bustling Steinway Street retail strip.

Where Do They Live?
Most German American families have set-down roots in Glendale, Ridgewood and parts of Middle Village and College Point.

What Do They Do For A Living?
They are the doctors, dentists, attorneys and professionals. Many German-Americans work in the airline industry, or are self-employed as mechanics, electricians or in the plumbing trade. Others are educators, firefighters or police officers.

Where Do They Worship?
Most German-Americans worship at Lutheran Churches scattered throughout Ridgewood and Glendale, while others worship in the Roman Catholic religion.

Many German American families opt to send their children to parochial schools-both elementary and high school.

Where Do They Shop?
German-Americans from New York City and State, and from Long Island, continue to travel to Ridgewood to shop for traditional foods and products from home.

One of the best-known German food markets, a Karl Ehmer butcher shop is still located on Fresh Pond Road. Other shops offering German crystal, china and glassware are also located in Ridgewood.

Where Do They Eat?
Home cooking is a mainstay of German-Americans-large families gathered for Sunday dinner featuring traditional foods.
Families traditionally gather at home for holiday meals or special occasions.

Traditional dining-out means sauerbrauten, goulash, dumplings or bratwurst at Neidersteins or Weinerschnitzel.