Paprin's Restaurant facts for kids

Paprin's Restaurant was once a very popular place to eat and gather in Woodside, New York. It was located at 61st Street and 60-19 Roosevelt Avenue. This restaurant was known for being a large and busy spot where people could enjoy meals and events.

A Big Place to Gather

In December 1937, Paprin's Restaurant became much bigger. After this expansion, the restaurant stretched for seventy-five feet along Roosevelt Avenue. It was so large that it could seat 1,000 people at one time! Paprin's also had a special ballroom and banquet hall. This area was big enough for 500 people to attend parties or events. It was a major gathering spot in the community.

An Unexpected Incident

In June 1938, something unexpected happened at Paprin's Restaurant. The ceiling above the oval bar suddenly fell. This happened while a singer was performing, and about forty customers were standing at the bar. Luckily, most of the people were not hurt. Seven people had only slight injuries. Before the ceiling completely collapsed, it started to sag noticeably. This warning sign gave many people time to move away and escape without serious harm. It was a lucky escape for many.

Community Meetings and Events

Paprin's Restaurant was not just for everyday meals; it was also a place for important community events. For example, in September 1950, the Queens College Alumni Association held a meeting there. An alumni association is a group for former students of a school or college. During this meeting, Joseph I. Fishman was elected as the new president of the Queens alumni group. This shows that Paprin's was a central location for local organizations and their activities.