LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Bayside
Historical Society

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts
of those organizations that seek to bring recognition to historical
places within the State of New York, and in doing so, help to ensure
that the complete history of our State and Nation is preserved and
shared with generations of citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Bayside Historical Society; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated at its Golden Anniversary Gala on
Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the Society's home, the Officers' Club at
Historic Fort Totten Park; and
WHEREAS, At the Gala, the Bayside Historical Society will also pay
tribute to several individuals who have supported this fine insti-
tution's work; the honorees include: Gary Bram, DDS, who will receive
the Landmark Preservation Award; the Brown Family, recipients of the
Founders Award; Rose Marie Ryan-Harrison, recipient of the Lifetime
Recognition Award; Sister Kathleen Masterson, RSM, who will receive the
Community Service Award; Janet McEneaney, recipient of the Community
Action Award; and former member of the New York State Senate, Frank
Padavan, who will be honored as a Bayside Historical Society Benefactor;
and
WHEREAS, The Bayside Historical Society was founded in 1964 to
collect, preserve and disseminate information concerning the history of
Bayside, Queens, and its adjacent communities; to advocate for the pres-
ervation and protection of its most historic structures and distinctive
neighborhoods through the landmarking process; and to strive to develop
a broad constituency of like-minded preservation and educational organ-
izations to protect the historic integrity of its communities and
collections; and
WHEREAS, The birth of the Bayside Historical Society was the culmi-
nation of several committees initiated by its founder, Joseph H. Brown,
whose aims were the beautification and protection of the environment and
community in which he lived, and awakening civic pride in Bayside commu-
nity's long history; and
WHEREAS, In the early days of its founding, the Bayside Historical
Society focused on the preservation and restoration of the Lawrence
Family Cemetery, Alley Pond and Fort Totten; today the Officers' Club at
Historic Fort Totten Park not only houses the Bayside Historical Socie-
ty, this impressive structure is a learning destination for local
schools and a resource for scholars and community groups, hosting
events, exhibitions and cultural programs; and
WHEREAS, The Bayside Historical Society also maintains the Lawrence
Family Cemetery which, on August 2, 1967, was declared a New York City
Landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for the Bayside Historical Society, and
for all of the individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to
a place and time which merits recognition in the grand panorama of the
history of our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bayside Historical Society; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Bayside Historical Society.