L

Lang, Albert H.

Electrical Contractor (THE CENTRAL PARK NEWS 10/3/29)

Lang, Alfred, Sr..

Head of the Central Park Improvements Assoc. One of the local residence who was responsible for the name change from Central Park to Bethpage in 1936.

Lauman, C.W.  (C. W. Lauman & Co., Inc.)

Water supply equipment, main office, Hicksville Road, Bethpage and another at 50 Church Street, New York, N.Y.  complete line of farm, irrigation equipment. C.W. Lauman moved to the area in the l890's.  He specialized in well-drilling and irrigation and achieved a record during W.W. II when the company handled complete water system installation at all the important factories including Grumman, Republic, Ranger and Liberty.  The firm employed 50 field men and a sales, engineering and administrative staff of 20.

Lautem, Robert L.

Oil Burners, Plumbing, Heating, Repair Work. 20 Central Boulevard

Source: Bethpage Little League Score Card

Leidinger, Gladys

Gladys' Beauty Shop, c. 1938, Railroad Plaza

Lembo, Phillip

Dentist (retired December 1994) and Committee Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 604.

Lessler-Leslie Family

Henry Lessler and Louisa Deneke immigrated to the United States from Germany in the late 1840's; they married in 1853 and ran an inn in Flushing, Queens. Sometime prior to 1858 they rented a 12 acre farm located on the north side of Plain Hay Path (Haypath Road) in Bedell Town (North Bethpage) from George Powell, a direct descendent of Thomas Powell. In 1868 Henry and Louisa purchased the farm with nine additional acres of woodlands in "The Bethpage Purchase" (now a part of Bethpage State Park), and ten acres of marshlands adjoining Great Island in the South Bay near Amityville. The woodlands provided firewood and the marshland provided salt hay for the farm animals. When their boys came of age, they adopted the Americanized version of the family name, Leslie (only one "s"). Their daughters kept the family name until their marriage. In 1898 Henry and Louisa sold the farm on Plain Hay Path in Bedell Town and retired to a home in Amityville. They are buried in the family plot in the Quaker Cemetery on Quaker Meeting House Rd.


Leslie (Lessler) Charles - Charles and his wife Margaret loved the Long Island countryside and rented the old Jarvis house in Central Park in the late 1800's. The farm was located on the west side of Stewart Ave. near Farmers Ave. Years later the farm was purchased by the Looney family, then Grumman brought the land, later the area became known as The Bethpage Community Park. They had three sons who were in World War I, Sydney, Walter, and Milton. All survived the war and their names were listed on the World War I Monument that stood in front of the Powell Ave. School.

From writings in the CENTRAL PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL by Robert Holzmacher

Levy, "Mr. Bethpage"

Real estate owner with an office on Stewart Avenue.

Lincoln Hall

Central Avenue, one block south of cemetery.

Linden Tree Restaurant

The restaurant is located on what was the McGunnigle Farm. It got its name from the linden trees planted there in 1926 by Joseph Seligman. The Linden Tree boasted very fine dining. Unfortunately, when Grumman downsized in the 1990's the Linden Tree closed its doors and was razed. Today, 2002, on the property stands the Bank of New York. The property next to the bank is a McDonalds.

Little League

Grumman sponsored teams named after Grumman built planes. The Guardians-the early E-2C, Albatross-Seaplane; Cougars and Panthers-Fighter Planes.

LOGO, Legend of



The Central Park Historical Society of Bethpage was chartered as a non-profit educational organization by the New York State Education Department in January, 1990. The Society sought a logo which would depicit the history of Bethpage at a glance.
THE NAME CIRCLE - The outer circle of the logo traces the name of our hamlet. Central Park was the name given by land developers in the 1850's to this part of the Bethpage Purchase, previously known as the Jerusalem Station. In absence of rail lines on the north and south side of the Island, our hamlet, located in the central part of the island serviced surrounding communities among them Jerusalem as Wantagh was known. The developers felt that this area should be identified independently and not be considered an extension of Jerusalem. Progressing along the name circle, one approaches the present name of our community, Bethpage, which was renamed in 1936 as noted on the tree. The tree allows us to perceive how deeply religious the early settlers of the Bethpage Purchase were. It is symbolic of a fig tree located in the Biblical town of Bethpage located on the Mount of Olives as related in the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

THE FRONTIER CIRCLE - Engine 39, the last steam locomotive to pass through Bethpage, symbolizes the importance of the LIRR to Bethpage which at one time was a frontier in the eastwood movement of people on Long Island. It enabled early residents to work in the city and raise their families in this park-like hamlet. The Lunar Expedition Module (LEM) designed and constructed by the Grumman Aerospace Cooperation of Bethpage established a new frontier for Bethpage. Just as the railroad reached eastwood in the 1880's, the LEM reached for the moon in the 1990's acheiving a "giant step" for mankind. As summarized by Daniel Schiavetta, the first President of the Central Park Historical Society of Bethpage, "No place in the world is there a country or village which can claim the only structure on the moon but Bethpage."

Long Island Railroad

The railroad came to the Bethpage area in l841.  The station was originally called Jerusalem or Jerusalem Station.  The name of the Post Office was changed in March 1867 to Central Park because their project was located halfway between Hyde Park (New Hyde Park) and Deer Park.  First listed on the timetable of May 1873 as Jerusalem or Jerusalem Station and last listed in October 1876.  As of February, 1874 there was neither a depot nor a freight house, but Mr. Smith, the agent, used one of the rooms in his own house for a public waiting room.  A one-story combination passenger and freight depot, was built sometime between 1874 and 1879.  A new station was built in l884 and torn down about 1957.  The name was changed to Bethpage in l936.

Note: the Railroad called another station Bethpage with a stop located at Winding Road and Battle Row, Old Bethpage, just north of the big Stewart Brick works.  There is no evidence of a station building.  Passenger service opened there as an accommodation to farmers, beginning Nov. 9, 1874 with one round-trip a day.  During l876 and l877 only summer service was provided.

See: The Long Island Rail Road- a Comprehensive History by Vincent F. Seyfried.

Looney Family

The Looney Farm was on Stewart Ave, the site of Grumman Aircraft then Robert Plan and Briarcliff College. There were 9 children. 5 sons - - Nassau County Policemen - Francis (Commissioner of Police) Harold, Michael, Walter and James. Other siblings, Jack, Mildred, Patrick, and Marita. Jack Looney had a Piper Cub that flew from the farm on Stewart Avenue near South Oyster Bay Road. Jack would take off and land using the corn field as an air field. He charged five dollars a ride.

Click here to see many photos of the Looney Family

Looney, Margaret Klinke

Born in 1911. Was a life-long resident of Central Park/Bethpage. In 1931 she married Patrick Looney, a New York City firefighter. She was active in St. Martin of Tours' Rosary Altar Society, the Knights of Columbus Columbiettes and the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. She also worked in the rectory as well as the St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Shop. Margaret and Patrick's children are Patrick, Gerald, Mary, Kathi, Elizabeth and Margaret.

Lovisolo, Lois

In May, 2006 Lois was appointed Director of the Bethpage Public Library. Lois has been a Bethpage resident since 1974 and started her career as a trainee at the Bethpage Library in 1976. Then from 1978 to 1994 she worked in the Public Affairs Archive/History Center at the Grumman Corporation. Lois returned to the public library sector in 1995, and she has worked in the Reference area of the Bethpage Library till her appointment as Director. Lois is active in the Central Park Historical Society and is instrumental in starting The Encyclopedia of Central Park/Bethpage.

Lunar Module

Keeping with President John F. Kennedy's commitment on May 25, 1961, four months after his inauguration, "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". A commitment that would take man on the 225,000 mile journey to the moon - our new frontier.

Who better to design and build such a craft then the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. Grumman craftsmanship already established the reputation, "as good as the sterling stamp on silver", for its design and production of aircraft which helped win World War II. Now the craft for the Apollo mission had to perform outside man's environment, and be designed solely for space travel. In 1963 Grumman was awarded the contract to design and build the Lunar Excursion Module (later to be known as the Lunar Module or LM). A contract that would end up being worth 2.3 billion dollars, and at its peak 7000 Grumman employees would be assigned to the Lunar Module project.

On July 20, 1969, the world watched with apprehension and wonder as Neil Armstrong stepped off the Lunar Module-5 Eagle, and was the first man to step foot on the surface of the moon. He was joined by Edwin Aldrin Jr., they firmly planted the American Flag, sent information back to earth, collected material from the moon, and conducted scientific experiments. They returned to the Lunar Module and rejoined the Command Module, piloted by Michael Collins, for the safe journey back to earth.

There were six successful missions where the Lunar Module took twelve astronauts to the surface of the moon and back, and one historic rescue mission in space. The rescue took place on April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 was 205,000 miles from earth and on its way to the moon when an oxygen tank in the service module failed and threatened the lives of the three astronauts. The Lunar Module performed as the lifeboat in space and returned the crew safely to earth.

The people in Bethpage are proud to boast, "that no where in the world can one claim the honor of having designed and built the craft that put a man on the moon, and return him safely to earth".

Lunar Module 13 is on display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, Long Island.

By: Ann Albertson

Lunar Module Model

In 1979, marking the 10th Anniversary of man’s landing on the moon, the Rotary Club with assistance from Grumman erected a model of The Grumman Aerospace Corps. Lunar Module near the Bethpage Railroad Station. The model was 1/10 the size of the 23 foot original. Unfortunately, despite its bulletproof encasement, vandals nearly destroyed the structure and it was removed and returned to Grumman. The model is now on display in the Bethpage Library because the Central Park Historical Society realized it needed a proper place to be displayed in our community.

Luttge, Dr. Louis A.

Initiated the Fire Department Emergency Rescue Squad in 1928. A Model T Ford was modified by fireman George Seitz to carry a resuscitator and first aid equipment. He was department surgeon and First Deputy Chief. From 1928 - 1949 he was one of the three persons responsible for sounding fire alarms from his home. He was on duty 24 hours a day.

Central Avenue, then on Broadway (opp. Powell Avenue, then on Broadway (opp. Coronet Crescent)).

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M

Maffetone, Michael

Born in Brooklyn, Maffetone moved with his family to St. Albans before settling in Bethpage in the early 1960s. Graduated Bethpage High School in 1967, then went to Long Island University's C. W. Post Campus, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in medical technology and a master of science degree in immunology. He obtained a doctorate of arts degree from Catholic University in Washington D. C., and embarked on a career in clinical laboratory science before becoming a hospital administrator. He was director of the clinical chemistry lab at St. Joseph's Hospital in Baltimore from about 1976 to 1984. Then he served 10 years at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago in several positions, finally he served as senior associate vice president and director of the Women's and Children's Hospital at the center. He then moved on to be director and chief executive of Stony Brook University Hospital from 1994 until he stepped down in 2000 because of illness. During his leadership the hospital made it onto a list of the nations 15 best major teaching hospitals in the country, and he planned the hospital's new ambulatory surgery center. He is also credited with bringing the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund Inc. to the University. He died in January 2003 at the age of 52. Michael is survived by his wife, Dawn, children: Elizabeth, Emily, and Anthony, parents Dan and Clara Maffetone of Bethpage, and two brothers Dan and Stephen. (Information from Newsday, 1/21/03)

Maggi, John

Shoemaker

Maggi Department Store

Maggi's Shoe Repair Service

Biltrite super-fine soles, outwears finest leathers. 315 Broadway

Source: Bethpage Little League Score Card 1953

Maio, Senor Vincent

Came to Bethpage in 1966. Teacher of Italian at Bethpage High School.

Mal Pierce Pontiac

In 1956, a Pontiac Catalina Coupe would sell for $2,195.00.

Mancuso, Antonio

Longtime resident of Central Park/Bethpage. Employed as a well driller by C. W. Lauman of Bethpage. Lifetime member of the Bethpage Fire Department, and contributor of articles to THE BETHPAGE TRIBUNE. Wife Stella and parents of four children. (Information from THE BETHPAGE TRIBUNE August 3rd, 2001)

Mangano, Edward

As of 2001, he is serving his third term as Legislator for the 17th District which in addition to Hicksville includes Bethpage, Muttontown, Brookville, East Norwich, and parts of Jericho, Syosset, Plainview, Old Westbury and Oyster Bay. A graduate of Hofstra School of Law, Ed was admitted into the New York State Bar in 1988. Ed has worked hard to foster the revitalization of the former Grumman Property. Ed established a Senior Citizen and Community Center in Bethpage, in order to increase residents access to important Nassau County services. Ed also established a youth program to provide a place for teenagers to gather. Ed was instrumental in restoring Cantiague Park pools and age-oriented playground area. Ed has been a leader in preserving land to protect our environment and provide open space for future generations. In fact, Ed was instrumental in preserving land in Hicksville as a nature sanctuary. Ed has received many recognitions for his advocacy, including Humanitarian of the Year for Family Residence and Essential Enterprises, Legislator of the Year Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter #82, Nassau Council Small Business Person of the Year, Honoree Children's House Tee-Off for Kids, Citizenship Award Knights of Columbus Hartigan Council, Hicksville Youth Council Award and Community Leadership Award Boy Scout Troop 604. Ed is active in many charitable and fraternal organizations. Ed has served on the Board of Directors of Children's House, Honorary Trustee Family and Children's Services, Past President Bethpage/Plainview Rotary Club, board member Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, member Northrop/Grumman property development task force, Grumman Master Planning council, Steering Committee Member Long Island Software Technology incubator @ Briarcliffe

Mangano, Linda

Publisher and Editor of the Bethpage Tribune

Margie's Beauty Salon

S.Felice (1960)

Mary - Kay Bakery - "Formerly Plates"

Cakes for all occasions, rye bread, pumpernickel, rolls, etc. 359A Broadway.

Masino, John A

For 32 years John was actively involved in the town of Bethpage. John was active in Bethpage Little League. He was team manager, equipment manager, umpire, also field cleaner. John's passion for baseball and love of children enabled him to instill sportsmanship, leadership, and camaraderie in those lives he touched.

John was a dedicated employee of the Bethpage Post Office for 36 years. He was active in St. Martin of Tours RC Church and the American Legion, Archie McCord Post #86. The John Masino Park was dedicated on September 24, 1989. Behind the baseball diamond is a memorial plaque honoring John. A citation was presented to his wife, Valerie by Oyster Bay Town Supervisor, Angelo A. Delligatti.

John died 1989

From the BETHPAGE TRIBUNE, September 28 - October 4, 1989.

Maurer's Hotel

Located on Broadway.  It was a favorite spot for Bert Acosta who was Commander Richard E. Byrd's Trans-Atlantic Pilot in l927. Theodore Maurer Hotel "Central Park Hotel" built by Mr. Dryfuch. (From R.W.Niemczyk)

Mauro, Frankie

Bethpage lad who became a prominent jockey.

Mazzara, Gene

Pictured with Gene Mazzara is Fraulein Fortsch, Bamberg, Germany 1949.

Fraulein Fortsch, a native and resident of Bamberg was a sister of Fortsch Brothers (Fritz and George) who operated a butcher shop in Bethpage. Their home was on Kearney Avenue.

Gene Mazzara was the wife of Lt. Buddy Mazzara serving in Army of Occupation.

Mazzara, Salvatore "Buddy"

Born Salvatore Mazzara, 3/23/15 in Brooklyn, NY

Parents Carmello and Catherine Mazzara was in the marble business doing commercial buildings in N.Y. and N.J.

Siblings: Michael McDonough, Rose Mazzara Millevolte, Maria Mazzara, John Mazzara, George Mazzara, Francis Mazzara.

Buddy was Nassau County employee before going into the service. In 1948 he met his wife, Gene Grant, in Chicago and was married later the same year. They set up their first home in Nurmberg, Germany. Gene was from Stanley, N.Y. ( a village in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.)

After Buddy served in the military he returned and worked for Nassau County. He established an insurance business and had an office on Broadway and then on Stewart Ave. He attended and graduated from Empire State College. Gene attended and graduated from SUNY Old Westbury.

Children: Robert, a Medical Professor in London, England married to Bettina Carpi. Dr. Mary Alice Mazzara, a scholar in International Education & associated with Columbia University. Dr. Mazzara has her own company, Geneva Global Group.

Buddy was very visible and active citizen of Bethpage. Buddy was a war hero, a dedicated veteran, Buddy was proud to acknowledge he participated in D-Day, the Invasion of Normandy during World War II. He was proud to display 6-6-44 on his license plate. He was a member of the Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Appeals Board, a founding member of the Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, a dedicated and vital President of the Bethpage Republican Club for many years and a prominent figure in local and state politics. A member of the Central Civic Association and Central Park Historical Society.

McCaffrey, Jack

Grew up in Southhold Long Island and came to teach in Bethpage in 1955 when the district hired 86 teachers. He started his career in Central Boulevard School and taught Junior High which was located on the 2nd floor then moved in with the Senior High School on Broadway and was on split session. He was coordinator of the Math Department for 15 years. He took a sabbatical in 1969 for one year to California with his family and received his Masters Degree in Math. He returned to Bethpage and was math supervisor. In 1983, he became assistant principal of the high school. He is proud to say his six children all went through the high school. He retired in 1994 and said he enjoyed his career as a teacher of children in Bethpage and would do it all over again.

McCaffrey, Mary

Mary McCaffery is a graduate of Boston College and the New School of Manhattan. She is currently the Director of Development and Community Relations for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She served on the Board of Directors of Children's House for 25 years and is currently on the Advisory Committee for the institute for Student Achievement.

She has published a number of articles in professional journals and writes a column in the Bethpage TRIBUNE under the byline "Online with Mary McCaffery." She is a co-author of IRISH TRIVIA.

Mary McCaffery is the past president of the Bethpage St. Patrick's Parade Committee and was elected Grand Marchal 2001. Mary was elected Town of Oyster Bay councilwoman in 2001. She is a member of Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, the Community Council and the Bethpage US Open Committee.

Mary and her husband, a former school teacher and administrator, have lived for 38 years in Bethpage, where they raised their six children.

McConochie, Alexander

The name McConochie became familiar in the 1840's.  A retired sea captain, sometimes known as the 'Baron of Bethpage" he was very active in the real estate market.  For a time he owned most of central Bethpage.  His most memorable purchase was the land surrounding Central and Stewart Avenues.  The land included a three story mansion which later was to become the famous Beau Sejour restaurant.  McConochie was forced to sell most of his properties in l908 due to economic conditions caused by the gold rush.

McCordville

Recollections of Evelyn Auer.

As a child when asked where I lived, I answered "McCordville". I doubt that anyone now living in this area (bounded by Central Avenue (S), N. Robert Damm Street (E), Harrison Avenue (N), and Hicksville Road (W) remembers it was once called "McCordville". A builder named "McCord" built several houses in this area, probably the first "development". These houses were all alike but looked different because some had two upstairs rooms facing front while others faced the side. Several are still standing but could never be recognized as originals.

This area is cut off from the rest of the village and the only outlet is either Central Avenue or Hicksville Road. I remember there was an iron fire ring on the corner of Peach Street (which was referred to as the "Main Road"). In case of fire this ring had to be banged loud and long until the volunteers on Stewart Avenue came.

At the east end of Harrison Avenue was a path thru the woods, leading to Lafayette Avenue. It was along this crooked path that all of us children had to walk to reach Powell Avenue School. There were two small stores in this area, Stumpels on the corner of Harrison & Robert Damm, and Kohlers or Webers on Central Avenue and Wilford Street. (This building still stands.)

McElroy, George

Came to Bethpage in 1954 and started teaching in the Powell Avenue School. He taught in Pine Avenue, Central Boulevard while they were under construction, and Broadway School which was on split session in 1957 & 1958. The Junior High went to school in the PM and the high school went in the AM. Mr. McElroy taught Physical Education, and coached basketball and baseball and became assistant principal. In 1961, he went to the high school as assistant principal. He was asked by Mr. Bryant to work on the title programs, mainly Title I, for the district as an administration assistant. In 1966, he became principal of the high school and worked through two strikes. In 1968, the high school had an extension built on and boasted an enrollment of 2100 students. He is most proud of the many successes of his students. Mr. McElroy retired in 1985 and continues in the field of education by working with BOCES and Hofstra University.

McGunnigle Estate

Located on Hicksville Road, called the Linden Tree. The estate comprised of 160 acres and was a working farm. Stephen McGunnigle and his bride, Mary Theresa Leonhardt of Farmingdale, hired a popular builder, Dan O'Hearn, to construct the large Gatsby like colonial home of brick and clapboards. The house had north and south parlors, a large foyer with a solid chestnut staircase and Tiffany chandelier. The three-car garage had a caretaker's apartment and there was a dovecote on the roof. The stables were of compatible architecture to the house with roomy box stalls. There was enough room to quarter as many as 13 horses. The acreage of this farm at one time comprised Grumman Plant #3 and part of Plant #2.
The McGunnigles had seven children Edmund (married Theresa Reinhardt of Farmingdale); Florence (Mrs. John F. Thoene of Avoca, NY); Virginia (Mrs. Aloysius Walsh of Stony Brook L. I.); Frederick of Avoca; Evelyn (Mrs. John Walsh of Avoca), and Rosalie (Mrs. Joseph Rottkamp of Old Bethpage, L.I.) (Bethpage History by Rosalie Walsh Niemczyk - BETHPAGE TRIBUNE 2/11/82)

McGunnigle, Raymond and Dorothy

Founders/publishers of the Bethpage Newsgram (1940's & 1950's). Their homestead became the Linden Tree Restaurant. McGunnigle and his son commuted to work at Roosevelt Field by plane, taking off and landing on Hicksville Road every day.

McGunnigle, Will

Manager of the original Brooklyn Dodgers when they won the pennant at the turn of the century. (Bethpage History by Rosalie Walsh Niemczyk - Bethpage Tribune 2/11/82)

Melone Family

Dr. Charles P. local physician, and for many years school physician. Wife Elvira was a member of the Bethpage Board of Education. Dr. Melone lived and had his practice on Broadway near Powell Avenue. Three sons: Joseph, Frank (member of the professional staff at Central Blvd. School), Charles P. Jr. also a doctor. (Bethpage History by Rosalie Walsh Niemczyk)

Merin, Anne

Teaching career began in Valley Stream Central High School where she taught German during World War II. Her first experience with the Bethpage Schools began in 1949 when she was class mother when her first son attended Powell Avenue School and later she became active in the PTA. In 1957 she began as a substitute teacher. The population was growing which presented a great need for substitute teachers, and the untimely teachers strike (the first teachers strike on Long Island) stressed the system. After that she was on call to substitute in the various schools in the district. She taught French, math, science, shop and boys gym. In 1968, Anne became a full time math teacher. She taught both B and C classes in the JFK Jr. High School and started the individualize program with Mr. Paul Rondone (they even had a computer to use). After about 25 years of teaching Anne retired in 1979.

Merry Oldsmobile

Methodist Cemetary

Located at the western end of Central Avenue on the west side of Hicksville Road. This was the location of the Bethpage Methodist Church before it was moved to Broadway, Bethpage. As reported by Bob and Ann Albertson, tombstones for Bethpage residents, some written in German, including:

Robert and Alma Knapp, grandparents of Bob Albertson

Civil War Veterans Henry Meyer, NY Infantry - 1879 and Corporol Andrew Powell, Co. K, NY Infantry.

Albrecht Benkert, birth in 1823 in Hof A/S Bayern, Germany, died in Central Park December 1888, and his wife Sabina, died in 12/1907. Fehling and Wollenhaurt tombstones also in German

Altman Grave, dated 1926-1947 is acknowledge with a memorial by the Ladies Auxiliary VFW and the Boy Scouts Troops 118

Ruth Vansise, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Powell

Ruth E, daughter of Isaac and Maria Whitson and noted she was 37 years, 5 months and 25 days, born in 1890

Bea Nixon had a plaque dated 1978 acknowleding her many hours of devotion to retarded children

H.L. Gloubelman tombstone said it plainly that he was a School Master.

Some other names recognized include Wilson, Gifford, Weaver, Skellington, Ohsberg, Deubel, Burmeister, Lauman, deBeaumont, Maxey, Granberg, Olsen, Stymus, Powell, Baldwin, Garrett, and Jenson to name a few. Many tombstones are no longer legible.

Methodist Church

See Bethpage Methodist Church

Metz Homes, Inc. (Pre-Fabrication)

A new industry for Bethpage established in June 1946 with the erection of a 40' x 120' Quonset Hut reconverted into a factory. Erection of a second building, formally an airplane hanger at Roosevelt Field. The plan was to employ 45 men and build 500 homes. Existing model home is still located on Southwest corner of Lexington & Nibbe.  James 'Happy' Norman and Harry J. Belsha.  Advertised in October l946 as an FHA-approved, factory-built house.  A 4-room house complete on your own property, $7,400 and up.

Metzner, Martin A.

Philanthropist from Lake Ronkonkoma who donated $25,000.00 to the Church Building Fund of St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church.

Mike's Deli

Salads, Cold Cuts, Ice Cold Beer. 392 N. Wantagh Ave.

Source: Bethpage Little League Score Card 1953

Milanos

Mrs. Rofano

Military

W.W. II, Camp Edward - Cherry Avenue/Caffrey Avenue, Broadway

Miller Family

The Miller family farmed land on the north side of the Hempstead Turnpike in the early 1900's. Alfred Holzmacher married Viola May Miller and they lived on 2nd Street (Romscho St.)
From the writings in the CENTRAL PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL by Robert Holzmacher

Miller Homes Company

Homes were to be built on the 18 acre track of land, south of the Old Motor Parkway and with Stewart Avenue to the west. The land was owned by Lochman and before that it was owned by Sengstacken & Schaaf Lumber Co.

BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM 2/11/49

Miller, Jake

Jake Miller worked as a mechanic at Godfrey Farm Supply for many years.
From writings in the CENTRAL PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL by Robert Holzmacher

Miller, Victor

Supervising principal (1950's). Married Lucille Schaaf, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Henry Schaaf., local merchant. Active in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Six children: Jane, Susan, James, John, Thomas and Sally. (Bethpage History by Rosalie Niemczyk)

Mosca, Salvatore

Motor Parkway

(See Old Motor Parkway)

Moses, Robert

Master builder of parks and roads in New York State. In Bethpage he is responsible for the construction of The Bethpage Parkway, Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway and Bethpage State Park. ( LONG ISLAND OUR STORY)

Mr. BarBQ / Servwell Charcoal

Located at 50 Lexington Avenue. On Friday, November 13 at 2:51 am a raging fire destroyed the quonset type, metal constructed buildings. Chief Robert Wright of the Bethpage Fire Department requested the support from Levittown, Plainview, Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, and Hicksville Fire Department with the combined force of some 200 firefighters.

The flames were fueled by tons of charcoal, propane, lighter fluid and thousands of aerosol cans of butane fuel, which provided a fireworks type display, and a most dangerous fire to extinguish. The fire orginally started outside in the vacinity of a truck and wood pallets stored against the structure.

Hoses had to be stretched across the L.I.R.R. tracks, which caused delays for the commuters during the morning rush, and 38 trains being rerouted to the south shore. 12 homes had to be evacuated. The fire was under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshall's Office and N.C.P.D. Arson Squad. As hazardous materials were involved, the Fire Marshall's office responded with a Haz-Mat Unit. The Department of Environmental Conservation monitored water runoff for contamination. Certain areas were diked and the owners of Mr. BarBQ hired a private firm to siphon off waste.

Bethpage Tribune - 11/19/87

Murmer, W. B.

Plumbing-Heating, Hardware, Household Furnishings, Dupont Paint, Shades measured and hung $.79 and up. Broadway, Central Park

Murray, Reverand John E.

Murray was born in Brooklyn in 1918, graduated from Manhattan College in 1941 and a year later enlisted in the Army Air Force (the forerunner of the Air Force). He served as a meteorologist and was the commanding officer of the Weather Squadron based in Hawaii. Here he was involved in plotting air routes for Army pilots and was also involved in the testing of the atomic bombs which were eventually dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

After the war, he obtained a doctorate in psychology from Fordham University and in the early 1960s he began studying for the priesthood at Catholic University of America in Washington D. C. He was ordained in 1967 and served the Diocese of Rockville Centre for 38 years. He was very well like by the parishioners in the parishes he served in: East Northport, Bethpage, and New Hyde Park, and headed the priest personnel office for six years.

We cannot neglect to acknowledge the Father Murray was an accomplished pianist and often played for parish musicals. He was very modest about his many talents. (Taken from his obituary in NEWSDAY)

Myer, Margaret Lackert

Born Febuary 2, 1907 in Canarsie (Brooklyn), NY to Frank and Anna (Miller) Lackert. Margaret was one of the eight children. The Lackert family moved from Canarsie to Central Park in 1918 during World War I. As a girl Margaret worked on her Grandfathers Miller's farm and later would commute to New York City on the Long Island Railroad to work for the Telephone Co., National City Bank on Wall Street. She also worked for Curtis Wright Aircraft gluing the fabric on the wings of small airplanes.

Margaret, a charter member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church , Central Park and St. Paul's first Sunday School teacher before the congregation ever had a real church building. They held services in the old fire house which was located across the street from where the church was later built. Margaret married Joseph Dawson Myer from Farmingdale on May 29th, 1928 at St. Paul's. All four children, Marjorie, Joseph Jr., Robert and Virginia were baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's . Her daughters would marry there and her oldest grandchildren would be baptized there as well. Maragert lived for 81 years in Bethpage, first as a child and then 71 years in a Sears Roebuck home she and her husband built in 1929 on Harrison Ave.

Thanksgiving of 1964 near Farnham, VA, a tragic auto accident took the life of Margaret's husband Joe, and she became a widow at the age of 57. After many weeks of recuperatuon at MCV in Richmond she returned to her home in Bethpage to live on her own until April 2000, when she moved to Weems, VA. Died April 23, 2001.

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