Historical Society Sets Spring Benefit Date

The Garden City Historical Society invites the community to attend a Spring Benefit Cocktail Reception on Thursday, May 2.

Proceeds of the event will support the fundraising effort to preserve and renovate the exterior of the Historical Society Museum, as well as complete some interior upgrades.

The benefit's honorary co-chairs include two of Garden City’s most notable residents, Susan Lucci and Nelson DeMille, and the venue for the reception is the incomparable Garden City Hotel.

The Society also takes the occasion to honor three prominent individuals who have been steadfast in their support of the Society and its mission— Maureen Clancy and Kris Harder, two outstanding visionaries, and Garden City's distinguished mayor, John Watras.

Sponsorships are available for the event at the following levels: Alexander T. Stewart sponsor ($5,000); Cornelia Clinch Stewart sponsor ($2,500); Apostle House sponsor ($1,000); Disciple House sponsor ($500), and St. Mary’s-St. Paul’s sponsor ($250).

Top sponsors receive four complimentary tickets to the event and a custom inscribed commemorative brick; $2,500 level sponsors receive two complimentary tickets and a commemorative brick; $1,000 level sponsors receive two complimentary tickets; $500 level sponsors receive a discount at the A.T. Stewart Exchange and a Garden City Landmarks afghan; and $250 level sponsors receive a Landmarks afghan.

In addition, all sponsors will receive recognition at the event and on the Society’s website for one year, and a complimentary one-year Society membership.

The cocktail reception will include passed hors d’oeuvres and carving stations, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Admission is $75 per person; reservations can be made by April 26 to Society president Albert Intreglia (750-3214, business hours) or to Society secretary Gloria Jones (248-0042 or 917-446-6131). For further event information, visit us online at gardencityhistoricalsociety.org.

The Benefit Committee is sponsoring a 50/50 Raffle; the winner will be drawn on the night of the event (winner need not be present). Raffle tickets are $10 or three for $25, and can be purchased at the event, in advance at the A.T. Stewart Exchange or by contacting Mary Jane Caldwell at 248-5917.

A Chinese auction will include such prizes as a vintage, designer ermine woman’s white fur coat; a rendering of a winner’s home sketched and painted by resident Suzie Alvey; a Trader Joe’s gourmet gift basket, complete with fixings for the winner’s next spring soiree; a gift basket from Covert Avenue’s Salone di Capelli; a special basket of goodies from Pellegrini’s Prime Meats, and much more.

The Museum, an 1872 A.T. Stewart-era structure, was deeded to the Society by the Episcopal Diocese. In the early days following the Society’s founding in 1975, the building on Fifth Street quickly became a bustling place. Society volunteers held “teas” for the ladies of the community, hosted garden parties, accepted donations of furniture, clothing and memorabilia that represented Garden City’s past.

They raised awareness of the community’s history, its historic buildings and its importance to the development of Nassau County and Long Island as a focal point for the startup aerospace industry following World War II, for car racing enthusiasts circa 1905, and as one of the first planned communities in the United States. In July 1988, the building was moved to its current location at 109 Eleventh Street.

As a result of a state grant secured through Sen. Kemp Hannon in 2003, the Historical Society completed interior restoration of the first floor, two second-floor rooms and the lower level. In September 2005, the Society opened the Museum in the historic building. Only minimal, minor repairs have been made to the exterior since 1988.

The capital campaign will help revitalize one of Garden City’s original buildings and make it a model for the restoration of historic buildings in other communities. A newly refurbished Museum will complement Garden City’s sense of community and keep it a desirable location for homeowners and businesses.

Submitted by the Garden City Historical Society