A plaque erected for famous songwriter, playwright and producer George M. Cohan, was unveiled on Saturday, July 18. North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Anna Kaplan, Great Neck Park District Commissioners Robert A. Lincoln Jr. and Daniel M. Nachmanoff and Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth were present. The plaque was installed on the easternmost section of Steppingstone Park, which once was a portion of George M. Cohan’s original property. The plaque was funded by contributions by musician Billy Joel and actress Tyne Daly.
Cohan once said in an interview, “When I got a real piece of money, as they say on Broadway, I bought a lovely home in the theatrical colony in Great Neck, Long Island, a dream place where I thought inspiration would strike me.” He went on to say that he “put on paper in my Great Neck home the start of one great idea, something I am more proud of than anything I have ever written.” He was speaking of the World War I song, “Over There,” for which he was awarded a Congressional medal in 1940. He died in 1942.
His now landmarked home at 100 Kings Point Road can be seen from Steppingstone Lane. When you visit Steppingstone Park make sure to check out the plaque which offers interesting information about the famous man who lived right here in our own backyard.
