The Sandminers Monument off West Shore Road stands as a legacy to the thousands of sandminers who worked on the east and west sides of the Port Washington Peninsula for more than 100 years (1865-1989), and whose efforts provided the sand that largely built Manhattan.
A program earlier this month recognized contributors to the sandminers monument by unveiling permanent bronze plaques and paving stones. There was also the dedication of a maquette to the Town of North Hempstead and the establishment of an annual scholarship for students of Schreiber High School.
Leo Cimini, president of Sandminers Monument Inc., the group that kept the legacy alive, presented the Town of North Hempstead with a maquette to be put on display in the office of town hall. Cimini said: “The sandmining operation was a big operation in Port Washington for many, many years — our town was the largest importer on Long Island until World War II.”
And in recognition, people have “come forth to preserve the area and build a monument here,” Cimini said.
He noted George Williams for being very influential in the process. He was a local historian who taught in Port for many years.
Cimini told attendees the monument would still be in the making if it wasn’t for the extreme generosity of Ken Langone. Langone funded this project, making this “incredible donation,” Cimini said. Langone’s grandfather had been a sandminer and also had a local store close by.
Cimini announced that remaining funds from the project would be earmarked for the establishment of a $1,000 annual scholarship for a graduating Schreiber High School student.
The Sandminers Monument and surrounding park can be visited on West Shore road about 500 feet south of the entrance to Harbor Links. Many residents may not be aware of the significance of this enormous piece of art and history that exists so close by.
