Lawrence Triangle

What was here before? 
In the late 19th century, this property was part of David S. Williams' estate. He was treasurer of the Flushing Railroad and an active member of the Flushing Temperance Alliance. In 1884 the Flushing Hospital, which consisted of a single bed that several women had placed in a rented home, opened across the street from this property. The Williams estate was divided and sold, and ultimately John J. Gleason and his wife, Mary A. Gleason, purchased this parcel. The Gleasons headed the Flushing Garden Club, which was founded in 1914.

How did this site become a park? 
In March 1938, the Gleasons gave the park to the Flushing Garden Club as a gift. Several months later, the club presented the land to the Flushing Hospital so its patients could use it as an outdoor retreat during their stay. The hospital then granted the park to the City of New York in 1939. The WPA (Works Progress Administration) planted trees, grass, and flowers, paved the paths, and removed an old gate. A local law named the park in honor of General George J. Lawrence, Sr. in 1950.

NYC Parks repaved the triangle in 1997 and added new plantings and a fence. Mature trees provide a shaded canopy over the benches for parkgoers.

Who is this park named for? 
General George J. Lawrence, Sr. (1881-1949) was a doctor, soldier, banker, and athlete, whose extraordinary career made him a leader in many major Flushing institutions.

Lawrence was born in Flushing to Mary and Dr. Enoch P. Lawrence, who worked at Flushing Hospital. He graduated from St. Francis College in Brooklyn in 1902 and continued his pursuits at the University of Pennsylvania where he studied medicine. Lawrence graduated in 1907 and went on to practice medicine at the Flushing Hospital. He headed the departments of obstetrics and gynecology for many years, was nominated president of the Queens Surgical Society at its founding and served as president of Flushing Hospital’s board. He also worked for a time with his son George Lawrence, Jr. who was an attending OB-GYN at the hospital.

In 1908, Lawrence joined the Flushing National Guard. He was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant in the 12th Regiment Medical Corps in 1911. Lawrence served in the “Fighting 69th” Regiment during World War I and received two silver stars for his valor in combat while he was stationed in France. He earned the title of Lieutenant Colonel at the close of World War I, and the title of Brigadier General after World War II. Lawrence formed the State Guard, and in 1946 he received his highest promotion to General.

He remained active in veterans’ affairs, serving as First Commander of the Leonard Legion Post in Flushing. As a civilian, he became vice president of the Flushing Savings Bank. Additionally, Lawrence chaired many hospital and community committees, continuing his practice of public service.