Queens Boulevard opened in 1873 as a two lane road. It is believed to have been named after Queen Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of King Charles II of England. Originally called "Buttermilk Hollow", it became "Whitepot Pike", then "Queens Pike", and then "Hoffman Boulevard" after New York City Mayor and New York State Governor, John Hoffman. For 2 years during the 1939 World's Fair, it was called "World's Fair Boulevard". The 1928 picture shows Queens Boulevard before it was widened and improved in the mid-1930's. The view is from 86th Road looking west toward Union Turnpike. The Kew Bolmer Apartments can be seen in the distance on the left side of the street.