by Eileen Dever
The Historical Society of the Merricks welcomed Mark Bonilla, Hempstead Town Clerk to a recent meeting on Tuesday, October 28 at the Merrick Library to speak on the History of Hempstead.
Jay Pitti introduced Mr. Bonilla explaining that the office of Hempstead
Town Clerk was truly a historic position dating back to 1645. Mr. Bonilla’s enthusiasm for history was evident as he told story after story of how Hempstead grew. Today this bustling township is the largest in the United States; spread over 142 square miles with a population of 725,000 people in 34 unincorporated areas and 22 incorporated villages.
In the 1600s Nassau County was an agricultural society with typical agrarian problems. Whose cattle were grazing on whose property? Thus the office of town clerk, “keeper of records,” was established.
Mr. Bonilla displayed a collection of photos including the original town hall, landmark churches and the Kent-Cammann Wing, an early home of Merrick Library and home to the Historical Society of the Merricks’ collection.
Although Mr. Bonilla volunteered that he was not up for re-election this year, just loves history and keeping it alive, he did offer an informative summary of what the town clerk’s office is about and where it is (one Washington Street in the village of Hempstead). From the beginning of life-birth certificates, to the end, death certificates, the town clerk keeps track of everyday concerns and is at your service. Passports, and just about every license/permit you can think of–dogs’ licenses, fishing licenses, parking permits, children’s ID kits are issued and marriages performed. Mr. Bonilla recalls enjoying double joys in his role-performing a wedding in the maternity ward of a Hempstead hospital was memorable.
During the American Revolution Hempstead settlers were split. Residents of the South Shore of Hempstead were aligned with the British cause and those on the North Shore with the American cause. A Bible from 1800 that has sworn in every Hempstead town official is a cherished part of the town clerk’s office historic collection. A Long Island Rail Road ticket to Hempstead from 1836 is dated and free!
Residents are invited to visit the historic archives at Town Hall.
The trustees and offices of the Historical Society of the Merricks were installed preceding the program. Trustees are Florence Astarita, Joseph Baker, Lynda Bekore, Erin Donohue, Gladys Kruh, Louis Kruh, Paul Laursen, Jerome Medowar and Jay Pitti. Officers are: President Lawrence Garfinkle, Vice President Adrienne Garfinkle, Recording Secretary Frank Soling and Treasurer Neil Yeoman.
If history is your hobby or love, if you love living in Merrick and want to know more about it – the Historical Society of the Merricks welcomes you! Call Frank Soling for information.
Trustees and Officers of the Historical Society of the Merricks installed at a recent Historical Society meeting display Town of Hempstead landmark photos. Back row, left: Joseph Baker, Paul Laursen, Frank Soling, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, Judge Jerome Medowar, Lawrence Garfinkel and Lou Kruh. Front row, Lynda Bekore, Florence Astarita, Jay Pitti and Gladys Kruh.
Veterans honored: Elected officials attended Veterans Day ceremonies on November 11 at the Wantagh American Legion Post 1273 and met with Legionnaires and Scouts who participated in the day’s ceremonies. From left, back row, are Assemblyman David McDonough, Legionnaire John Alban, Legionnaire Ray Cody, Commander Russ Bastin, Legionnaire George Buckley, Color Guard Captain John Menechino and Legionnaire Edward Balaza. Front row, from left, Freddy Parola, Michael Fillizola, Benjamin Schablin, Andrew Fenter, Christine Parola, Emily Fillizola, Emily Fenter and Hempstead Town Clerk Mark Bonilla.
REMEMBERING OUR VETS: Hempstead Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, third from right, spoke at the Veterans Day ceremonies at the Seaford American Legion Post 1132, where he joined with the rest of the nation on Veterans Day in remembering the sacrifices of America’s 25 million veterans. From left at the dais are Past Commander George Murphy, Second Vice-Commander Mark Caleco, First Vice-Commander Gene Goetticher, Mr. Bonilla, Commander and Adjutant Charles Wroblewsski.