“Life’s a Beach” that’s what it says on the plaque mounted to “my” bench at Lafayette Blvd. and the boardwalk in Long Beach. For me it epitomizes the very essence of living in the City by the Sea. Over twenty years ago, I migrated from Queens to the West End to enjoy the beach year round. Going to the beach was, and still is, my favorite pastime in summer or winter, so I was hooked on Long Beach when I first started coming here in the late 70’s on my days off when I worked for National Airlines, and later with Pan American World Airways after the two airlines merged.
James, my husband of twenty-two years, was hooked on Long Beach as well, and when we decided to buy a home, it had to be here. Our 2- story, 2-family home, built in 1925, is stucco, painted pink, with a Mediterranean tile roof on W. Market St. in the Westholme section of Long Beach. In my profession as a Licensed Real Estate Broker, I do get to see many beautiful historic homes here in town and the surrounding areas. It is, therefore, no wonder that I found the right fit joining the Long Beach Island Landmarks Association in 2009. More so, it has been super meeting and dealing with some pretty dynamite folks in our organization and community including the city leaders. In addition to my duties with LBILA, I volunteer at St. Mary of the Isle as a Faith Formation instructor.
LBILA is here to help preserve homes with original Long Beach architecture, history and culture. Long Beach, City by the Sea, is a phenomenon onto itself and I love living here!
Long Beach Island Landmarks Association
THE STRAND
LANDMARK NEWS
Spring 2011
Historic Red Brick District c.1909
The red brick streets were born through the vision of State Senator William H. Reynolds who hired Charles Leavitt, Landscape Engineer, to design a comprehensive street design plan to relate to the benefits of the natural environment: wide landscaped boulevards from the ocean to the bay which would provide cool breezes. The streets from one end of Long Beach to the other would be paved with red brick for aesthetics and drainage purposes. Today unfortunately, almost all the red brick streets have disappeared except for the 100, 200, 300 and 600 blocks of West Penn. These streets were officially landmarked by the City of Long Beach in 2007.
The Board of Trustees of LBILA is in the final stages of placing markers and plaques at historic sights in Long Beach.The first marker will be unveiled this Fall. This all made possible by a grant from Nassau County spearheaded by Legislator Denise Ford. We want to take the opportunity to thank Legislator Ford for all her efforts especially for our community here in Long Beach. In 2012 in conjunction with Long Beach's 90th Anniversary, LIBILA and the City of Long Beach will host a celebration at an unveiling at the second marker location. Details to be announced.
We are also looking for sponsors who are interested in placing their name or family's names on planters that will be placed in the Historic Red Brick District. If you are interested, please contact Alexandra Karafinas at 516 431 3775. Volunteers are always needed; thank you for donating your time. Please contact Alexandra if you wish to volunteer. Come and join us and have some fun!
Below are some of the highlights from our current newsletter.
BUS TOURS
Wednesday June 8, 2011
HUDSON RIVER HISTORIC BUS TOUR
Our group visited the Clermont Estate and the Montgomery Place. Both estates have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both are located in the heart of the Historical District Hudson Valley area. The group also stopped at historic Rhinebeck for lunch. Our final stop was at the Millbrook Vineyards & Winery to enjoy "Happy Hour". Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, it is know as "The Hudson Valley's Flagship Winery". Guests sampled five vintage wines and received souvenir Millbrook glasses as a thank you for visiting the winery.
Horse & Carriage Ride
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Felix House: 151 West Penn Street
National Register of Historic Places
Closing your eyes and listening to the clip-clop of the horses' hooves took you back in time and you could imagine what it was like when our red brick streets were built in 1909. The hosts welcomed all with hot cider, hot chocolate and freshly bakes cookies on the expansive front porch. Caroling was required and all participated.
LBILA Recognition Awards Dinner: LBILA Honors Those Who Take an "Extra Step"
Sunday, April 03, 2011
On Sunday, April 03, 2011, the LBILA held its Recognition Dinner at Sutton place in Long Beach honoring those who take the "Extra Step" in our community to help the association in its mission to preserve and protect historic neighborhoods, buildings, streetscapes, and sites on our beloved barrier island.
LBILA Alexandra Karafinas emceed the event, honoring former City Manager Edwin "Ed" Eaton, former City Council President James "Jimmy" Hennessy, and Nassau County Legislator for the 4th District, Denise Ford.
Douglas Sheer addressed the audience regarding the planned markers and plaques that LBILA will be placing at historic sites in the City of Long Beach. LBILA is working with the LIRR to place a marker at the Long Beach station and working with the city to mount plaques on the bridges in The Canals. This all made possible by a grant from Nassau County spearheaded by our honoree Legislator Ford.
Ed Eaton and Jimmy Hennessy were both instrumental in establishing the Historic Red Brick District ca. 1909 in Long Beach along W. Penn St. Ed, was City Manager, when the district was landmarked in 2007.
Guests included City Manager, Charles Theofan, City Council Vice President, Mona Goodman and, City of Long Beach Public Information Officer, Mary Giambalvo. Guests took part in playing musical games and danced to tunes mixed by DJ Jerry of Metro Sound.
THE SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Long Beach Library
The Board of Trustees presented "Long Beach: Now & Then", by guest speaker, Douglas Sheer, Vice president of LBILA, which is an overview of the city's history using copies or original postcards ad photos show how Long Beach evolved over the past 100 years.
From a series of islands that were joined together to form the current barrier beach to the resort era it became in the early 1900's, Long Beach has changed dramatically over the past 100 years. Honored guests at the event included City Manager, Charles Theofan, Vice President of the City Council, Mona Goodman, Lido Beach Historian, Steven Kelly, and Long Beach Patch Editor, Joe Kellard.
Barry Rivadue, our videographer, presented a very detailed informative and exciting over view of LBILA's events during 2010.
Thereafter refreshments were served and there was an informal question and answer period with these two very knowledgeable historians.
