Marking Massapequa's History

It was an historic day for the historical complex.

The Historical Society of the Massapequas paid tribute to their home base last weekend, dedicating a historical marker outside of Old Grace Church.

The 167 year-old church, along with Floyd-Jones Cottage and Delancey Floyd Jones Free Library make up the area's historic complex, which is  "the hub of Massapequa" according to Bill Colfer, the Society's president.

That's because the complex is located on Merrick Road, where Thomas Jones, the first European settler in the area built his home. 

"Of all the buildings that were here, very few are left," Colfer said. "This church which was built in 1844, and in 1896, the library was built." The cottage, which seved as servants quarters for the Floyd-Jones estate and moved to its present location in 1986, was built in 1870.

While there have been many signs around the Massapequas marking historic locations, they hadn't erected one for the Historical Complex, until now.

"This is our thirteenth marker, lucky number 13," Colfer said.

Among those on hand for the dedication were county legislator Peter Schmitt, R-Massapequa, and Rev. Josh Walters, the rector of Grace Church which currently occupies a more modern location across the street from the original church.

"it makes my job more humbling to do what I do, knowing that I'm only one of 12 rectors the church has had in its history," Walters said.

The dedication was held along with the Society's annual Apple Festival. 

The area in front of the church was loaded with vendors, craft stands, and food. 

Residents loaded up on fresh vegetables, apple crumb cakes, and of course, apple pies.

It's an event that's been popular for many years, and any fundraising that can be done helps according to Colfer.

"We could not operate on a slimmer budget," he said. "Our funds are limited to an occasional grant, but we're funded primarily by membership, which is very inexpensive, considering we put out several newsletters a year, at a minimal cost of $1,000."

Membership brochures were on display at the festival at a table manned by Wilma Diehl.

Diehl described the festival as "a place to see friends and neighbors you haven't seen for years. It's like old home week."

As if on cue, Janice McQuade, a Massapequa resident inquired about membership in the society and recognized Diehl as a longtime employee of the school system.

"I'm very interested in history and volunteer at the New York Historical Society," she said. "I wanted to do something more local and I recognized her name. She worked in my school in 1974."

The two chatted amicably about their shared history.