If you have driven around the Massapequa area, you have most likely noticed a series of elaborate, wrought-iron signs adorning the sides of the road, denoting a significant footnote in history. Those signs are made possible by the direct work of the Massapequa Historical Society and their never-ending quest to keep the importance of yesteryear alive in the hearts and minds of those here today.
Photo by Chris Boyle
There are currently a total of 15 historical marker signs in existence; the first was put up in 1985, as the people running the society thought that there should be some indication of what was deemed historical, as so many things had been torn down over the years in the name of “progress,” according to George Kirchmann, Trustee and past Vice-President of the Historical Society.
“Over the years, various sites were identified as worthy of recognition, and the idea was that if we put up a marker, at least we’d have something that people can see and think about,” said Kirchmann in regards to what was there at the time. “So much has been lost over the years because of the development that took place in the 1950s and ’60s in the Massapequas.”
The Massapequa Historical Society was first started in 1969 by a group of concerned citizens in an effort to combat the erosion of the area’s flavorful past that was taking place at the time. Since its inception and to this very day, it has always been centered around one well-known landmark in particular on Merrick Road.
“It was formed due to vandalism at Old Grace Church and the concern about all the old buildings that were being torn down in the Massapequas,” said Kirchmann. “It really became an active organization in the early 1980s when there was some question about whether or not Old Grace Church itself would be torn down.”
While writing informational pieces on each individual historical marker for a local online newspaper, Kirchmann got the idea that his writings might translate into a fascinating book about local history; thus, Signs of the Times: Massapequa’s Historical Markers took form and eventually became a printed and bound reality.
“I decided that it would be interesting to put all of my articles together so people could see what was here at one time, what’s here now, and how all these old building are commemorated,” he said. “I got together all the information that I could, found a lot of old photographs, took pictures of what Massapequa looks like now, and put it all together,” said Kirchmann who used his existing articles as the base and then expanded upon them.
Kirchmann noted that the Historical Society is always looking to add more markers to the Massapequa scene. He mentioned that a new one is slated to debut this upcoming November to serve as a reminder of a time where Massapequa actually had its very own zoo. Yes, a zoo.
“It’s going to designate the former location of Frank Buck’s zoo in the 1930s and ’40s, which was across from the Sunrise Mall,” said Kirchmann. “Buck hunted animals, tamed them, and brought them to various locations. He looked for a place to establish a zoo where he could let animals roam and let people see them.”
The zoo was open for 16 years until the 1950s, when Buck passed away. It was purchased by a family that shipped off many of the larger animals, transforming it into more of a petting zoo and amusement park. The park eventually closed its doors for good in 1965.
Signs of the Times: Massapequa’s Historical Markers was published in April 2014. At 40 pages, it provides an engrossing look at the Massapequa of yesteryear and what it has evolved into today.
“The books are $10 each, with every dollar being returned to the Historical Society for use in further endeavors to keep Massapequa’s rich past alive for current generations to experience,” said Kirchmann, who hopes appreciation for the town will only grow.
“Response has been very positive so far; we’ve sold a few hundred books, and we’re getting people interested,” said Kirchmann. “We’re very happy about that.”
If you’re interested in purchasing a copy, contact the Historical Society at 516-799-2023. Copies are also available for purchase at Tim’s Florist located in Massapequa Park.
