During the Civil War, Hallett served with distinction as a Private in Company K of the 137th New York Infantry. His journey from Hallett’s Cove to the battlefields of the Civil War reflected a commitment to duty and country, just as deep as his devotion to Astoria.

Brother Peter G. Van Alst stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of Astoria and western Queens. Born on May 28, 1828, in Dutch Kills, Queens, Van Alst was raised in a family deeply rooted in the area since the early 1700s. His education at local schools and the Astoria Institute set the stage for a remarkable career as a surveyor and civic leader, shaping the very landscape of our community.