Hempstead Town Councilman Shines Light On A Local Mystery

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne took notice when Levittown residents began wondering about a strange cement cylinder that they recently noticed on Hempstead Turnpike, near Staples. Dunne began researching the structure’s origins and on Wednesday, he reported his finding and his plans to restore the structure to its former glory.

The structure, which had not been visible until recently, had been uncovered when town workers cleared brush from the municipal parking field.

“Most people know about Levittown’s rich history related to being the home of returning World War II veterans,” said Dunne. “This concrete structure was obviously a piece of Levittown history that had been forgotten by many, but I am proud to be able to solve this mystery.”

The structure is what remains is a piece of a lighthouse that was installed by Hempstead Town in 1977 as part of a federal beautification program. Dunne explained that, according to news reports, the lighthouse had been built at no cost to taxpayers through funding from the federal government during Lyndon B. Johnson’s tenure as president. At the time, the Levittown Chamber of Commerce praised the initiative as a way to attract shoppers to the center at a time when malls were increasing in popularity.

With the mystery solved, Dunne now has moved forward with the process of getting the lighthouse refurbished. He has met with Hempstead Town carpenters who will restore the landmark to its former glory and has begun pursuing grants to finance the lighting of the lighthouse.

“Today our small businesses are facing even more hurdles then they were in the 70s,” Dunne said. “Now, in addition to malls, our shopping centers are facing competition from the internet, and if we can restore this beacon to its former glory and attract some more people to this area it will be a victory for history and for our business community.”

Photo courtesy Town of Hempstead