In 2012 Howard Silverberg and his mother Hazel first notified Mayor Michael Koblenz of the poor condition of the abandoned cemetery adjacent to their home. Mayor Koblenz contacted Howard Kroplick, then town historian, who "championed" the restoration effort. Considered an abandoned cemetery, the Townsend Cemetery has been managed and maintained over the last 11 years by the Town of North Hempstead.
Over this time, this historic cemetery has been restored through the efforts of the Town of North Hempstead, the Village of East Hills, the Roslyn Landmark Society, the Robert D.L. Gardiner Foundation, Burying Group Preservation Group, Stewart Preservation Service and , most recently, Bill Stone, a descendant of the Jackson and Townsend families.
On May 18, 2023, Bill Stone (left in above photo), Ross Lumpkin, current town historian of North Hempstead (center), and Howard Kroplick, now co-president of the Roslyn Landmark Society (right), met at the Townsend Cemetery and reviewed the amazing transformation of this historic site.
2 Comments
Great renovation and excellent historical pictures that demonstrate it. I am glad to see the entrance is now welcoming.
How truly heartwarming it was to view thise photographs of the effort it has taken and continues to see this be preserved. My hearty congratulations to all involved , especially to my good buddy Howard Kroplick . He and I share a lot in common - same birth year, la deep passion for all kinds of history, obsession for cars with running boards. Bravo and thanks for the Roslyn Landmarks Society.
Walt Gosden
Historian for the Inc. Village of Floral Park