Plainview couple ranks
among town’s first
A pair of Plainview originals recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary with a look back at their history in the mid-island town.
Dubbed “Mr. and Mrs. Plainview,” Paul and Ruth Soffrin marked the special occasion surrounded by friends and family at Atria Senior Living on Washington Avenue in Plainview. The couple first moved to Plainview in 1952, when they saw an advertisement in a newspaper for a new development being built in the then up-and-coming neighborhood.
Living in Brooklyn, the Soffrins didn’t know anything about Plainview, other than it was somewhere in the suburbs, away from the city, which even in the 1950s was far too overcrowded for them. Ready to make their dreams come true, they bought their new home.
And the home they bought just so happened to be the most expensive model in the new development, costing a whopping $13,250. But regardless of price, Ruth fell in love with Plainview and though it was a lot of money back then, Paul told her they would find a way to manage.
As time went on, Ruth and Paul became active members in the Plainview community. They worked with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, handicapped children and more. And to this day, they continue to be involved with many Plainview clubs, including the Mid Island Y JCC and Plainview Seniors. They even started the venerable Plainview senior advocacy group, POB Cares.
This year, Paul will hit the century mark, turning 100 years-old. Residents at Atria can expect another big party on that day in honor of the residence’s Mr. and Mrs. Plainview.
