By Andrew Hackmack
That is how Edwin Fare described the man who has been the Valley Stream Historical Society's chairman of the board for 15 years.
Buckley's leadership came to an end last Wednesday night as Fare was sworn in as the new chairman before the annual strawberries and ice cream social. Now in his 80s, Buckley decided it was time to slow down a little, but leaves with many fond memories.
Buckley has been chairman almost as long as the Historical Society's museum -- the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration -- has been open. As an active member of the society prior to his leadership role, he remembers the time and effort expended to fix up the Hendrickson Avenue house. "We took an old building that was a wreck," he said, "and turned it into the good building it is today. We restored the whole inside."
In December 1992, the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration officially opened its doors. Since then, Buckley said, the goal has been to maintain the facility and keep it from falling into disrepair. Buckley noted that the village, which owns the house, has done its part by paying for a new roof and by having the outside repainted.
Buckley wanted to make sure that the museum was being used as a learning tool. In June of 1993, he arranged for Wheeler Avenue School fourth graders to come in for a local history lesson. That tradition has been kept alive ever since, except this year because of the painting project.
As students arrive, Buckley greets them and gives them a short history of the house. Each class is then taken on a guided tour from the basement to the top floor and around to the backyard. He said the students really seem to enjoy their visit.
Buckley said the Historical Society also offers local history slideshows and will present them free to any organization. He said there are 28 carousels worth of slides so he can offer something different each time. One of his favorites is the "Then and Now" slideshow which features pictures of old buildings compared what is in those locations now.
Another presentation he spent much time creating is the one that shows who Valley Stream's roads have been named for. It includes pictures of street signs and the respective grave sites of those founding families at nearby St. John's or St. Bonafice cemeteries.
The Historical Society also sends out local history books for $5 a piece. "We've probably mailed out a hundred of them over the years," he said.
Buckley was born and raised in Valley Stream. He attended Brooklyn Avenue School and Central High School. His children are also Central graduates.
His only regret has been the struggle to attract new members into the society. "We're not alone," he said. "All organizations are in the same boat."
Buckley said some people feel that "Historical Society" means that a person has to be old to join.
Fare said as chairman, he will continue Buckley's mission to increase membership and hopes to use the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration as a selling point. "We're one of the only groups that has a magnet like that," he said.
No stranger to the organization, Fare had previously served as chairman of the board in the late 1980s. "I always knew someday I'd come back," he said.
Fare's oath of office was administered by Buckley. Other Historical Society officers and trustees were sworn in by village trustee John Tufarelli. Continuing as the organization's president is Marge Chvatal.
After business wrapped up, members enjoyed strawberry shortcake with ice cream and some punch. It's perhaps the tastiest Historical Society tradition.
Photos by Andrew Hackmack/Herald
