A Piece of History for the Farmingdale Library

A PIECE OF HISTORY FOR THE FARMINGDALE LIBRARY

On Thursday, September 27, Farmingdale Public Library Director, Debbie Podolski, was presented with a beautiful historical book put together by Frances Rotondo, former President of The Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF). This book chronicles the life of Abigail E. Leonard, the founder of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale, and her contributions to the Village of Farmingdale.

Since Ms. Leonard was co-founder of the Farmingdale Public Library, it was only fitting that the presentation took place in the community area/periodical section of the library where a beautiful framed picture of Ms. Leonard hangs, as well as other memorabilia, including a WCF display case showcasing original historical momentos from the club’s history.

During her high school years, Ms. Rotondo was alternately a member and President of the Farmingdale/Bethpage Historical Society. During that time, the Historical Society embarked on a project to write the history of Farmingdale and Ms. Rotondo’s assignment was to research and write about the many contributions of Abigail E. Leonard to the Farmingdale community. Eventually, a very informative book entitled, “Farms to Flights,” was completed, a copy of which can be found in the library’s history room.

Abigail E. Leonard was an extraordinary woman. She moved to Farmingdale at the age of 60 and besides co-founding the library she was the first woman trustee on the Farmingdale School District Board of Education; she was instrumental in forming the school’s PTA; her work on the women’s suffrage movement was extraordinary; she urged participation in marches and in 1917 formed a local committee of 100 called, “100 Man March” which walked to Hyde Park where President Roosevelt met with her and her constituents. Eventually, in 1920, the 19th Amendment was passed. Before coming to Farmingdale, she was a math and latin teacher in Brooklyn and beloved by many of her students who, for more than 30 years, came back to take her to lunch for her birthday. Adelphi University honored her for her work in education by naming a wing after her.

For their help and support with this project, Ms. Rotondo thanked Library Director Debbie Podoski, who is also Village Historian, Asst. Library Director Christa Lucarelli, Head of Local History Natalie Korsavidis, William Johnston former Village Historian and former teacher, principal and administrator for the Farmingdale School District, and WCF Co-Presidents Cheryl Parisi and Lorraine Stanton and members of the WCF. The History Room at the library will be the new home for this important piece of Farmingdale history.

Submitted by Maria Ortolani