By Brian Zanzonico
Four commemorative First-Class postage stamps marking the town namesake's birthday were unveiled by the U.S. Postal Service and the Franklin Square Historical Society at the Franklin Square Public Library last Thursday before about 100 members of the community, including local postmasters and an H. Frank Carey High School government class.
The stamps, designed by Arizona-based artist Richard Sheaff, represent four periods of the 18th century Renaissance man's storied life: as a scientist, printer, postmaster, and statesman.
„He was among the first to open a library,¾ said Franklin Square Historical Society president, Paul Van Wie, who also sits on the library's board of trustees. „He was a volunteer fireman. He was an active citizen who took an active role in the community. We need to rededicate ourselves to keeping Benjamin Franklin's spirit alive.¾
An entire corner of the library, which was also holding its budget vote and trustee election, was a shrine to Franklin. In front of the lectern was a bust from the old Franklin Square Savings Bank building (see sidebar story). Cakes bearing Franklin's likeness were served. Stamp replica lapel pins were handed out. Carey senior Brad Levine, who delivered a brief history of Franklin, wore a tie with greenbacks printed on it. Franklin's staid face on the $100 bill peeked out just above the top button of Levine¼s sports jacket.
Van Wie said the community's connection to Franklin dates to the mid-1800s. An 1873 map is the oldest document known to the historical society that labels Franklin Square as the area around New Hyde Park Road and Hempstead Turnpike.
Franklin Square Postmaster Roslyn Britt said the historical society contacted her six weeks ago about a stamp cancellation for residents, which is a special postage marking that indicates a stamp has been used, Britt said, and historical society officials wanted them as souvenirs for residents.
„But I wanted to take it a little further,¾ said Britt, who has been the Franklin Square postmaster for five years. „We wanted to make it a special program so the community could join in honoring Benjamin Franklin.¾
Britt was joined by U.S. Postal Service Triboro District Manager Lily Jung Burton, Library Director Peggy Smith, Van Wie and Levine in formally introducing the stamps. Afterward, Levine, Senator Kemp Hannon representative Henry Holley, and Van Wie each received plaques with the four stamps.
„If it comes down to one word to describe Benjamin Franklin, that word would be American,¾ Van Wie said. "He exemplified the spirit of freedom, he strived to do better, he had a thirst for knowledge and he was a great citizen.¾
Later in the day, library's $2.015 budget for 2006-2007 passed by a 158-120 margin In addition, incumbent William Youngfert, who ran unopposed, was reelected as library board trustee.
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