On April 20, 1990, the Roslyn Landmark Society coordinated a re-creation of General George Washington's visit to Hempstead Harbor (Roslyn) celebrating its bicentennial. The event was co-sponsored by Preservation League of New York State, Nassau County Division of Museum Services and the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society.
The successful event was organized by Dr. Roger Gerry, co-founder and then president of the Roslyn Landmark Society.
The program for the event and the menu for the lunch at George Washington Manor held for 140 people.
The Parade Down Old Northern Boulevard to the Pine-Onderdonck-Bogart House
President George Washington was played by John Dawson.
Dr. Roger Gerry's welcoming address.
Roslyn News, April 26, 1990: To the delight of the assembled, the President directs his carriage to stop on Old Northern Boulevard, so that a lone sentinel can explain the workings of the Grist Mill.
3 Comments
Wonderful pictures! I lived in Greenvale at this time and can't believe I wasn't at this event!!! But then again 1990 I had three little children - so many happy memories from the 25 years I lived in Roslyn.
Susan, I have been a resident of East Hills since 1984. I missed this event too!
Howard, For several years I was the interpreter at the Van Nostrand Starkins House. If you ever find a framed portrait of John Wesley founder of Methodism, know that I put it in that house more than a decade ago. In the research I had done, Joseph Starkins who owned that house at one time, held Methodist meetings in the house . Roslyn has such a rich history.
Watering hole for horses?
The musicians were from Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Bob Pratt, the drummer, was one of the members of the OBVR Brass Band when it was reorganized in 1971, and is the only one from that group still playing with the band. The fife player was Ted Mordoff, whom we used to play flute, fibe and tim whistle at OBVR, often for the dance program. He was one of the best flautists on LI. I remember having to find appropriate music for him as we performed mid-19th century pieces at the restoration. The surrey, horse and driver were from OBVR also; driver Steve Swanson worked on the farm there. I never saw these pictures, thanks for posting.
Terry, thanks so much for the details!
Great historical information about Roslyn and George Washington. Well Done!