While scouting locations in the Middle Village/Glendale area of Queens recently, I stumbled upon an address that sparked a memory. Pulling up to 89-70 Cooper Avenue, I couldn’t quite place why the house seemed so familiar. It was just another unassuming house in a row of houses.
For years, I’ve kept a running list of interesting New York spots bookmarked on Google Maps, perfect for impromptu location scouting. But what made this ordinary-looking house at 89-70 Cooper Avenue stand out?
Then, it suddenly clicked – like Edith Bunker hitting those high notes in the “Those Were The Days” theme song!
89-70 Cooper Avenue is none other than Archie Bunker’s house, instantly recognizable from the opening credits of the iconic TV show All In The Family. This unassuming location in Queens served as the backdrop for one of television’s most groundbreaking sitcoms, focusing on the life of Archie Bunker, a lovable yet opinionated working-class man.
Filmed in the early 1970s, it’s fascinating to observe the similarities between the vintage footage and the house today, over 40 years later. The enduring flagpole is a charming detail that has survived the decades. It’s also interesting to note the small tree on the left side of the house in the old footage has grown significantly over time.
While Archie Bunker often gave his address as 704 Hauser Street in Astoria, the Queens depicted in All in the Family was clearly a blend of different neighborhoods. Cooper Avenue, with its rows of similar, modest houses, was a fitting choice, embodying a generic “Anywhere, Queens” feel that resonated with many viewers. This location perfectly captured the essence of the show’s portrayal of working-class American life.
An amusing and perhaps slightly morbid detail that the show never acknowledged is the view from Archie’s front stoop: a cemetery directly across the street! This adds an unexpected layer of irony to the setting of a sitcom known for tackling serious and often controversial topics.
Later, in the spin-off Archie Bunker’s Place, Archie transitioned to bar ownership. The opening credits of this series featured exterior shots of a bustling 1970s Northern Blvd, leading to the question: where was Archie Bunker’s Place actually located?
The exact location of the bar remains a mystery. The footage in the opening credits cuts away from the street scene just before revealing the bar’s facade, suggesting it might have been a set in California. While some online sources claim the building was real but has since been demolished, the true location of Archie Bunker’s Place continues to be debated among fans.
Regardless of the fictional bar’s location, it’s comforting to know that a tangible piece of Archie Bunker’s world still exists in Queens. Visiting 89-70 Cooper Avenue offers a nostalgic glimpse into the setting of a show that profoundly impacted television and American culture.
