By:William Pfaff
Ironically, the re-dedication was held 32 years to the day after the original opening of the independent housing facility, on Doxsey Place in Lynbrook. The ceremony, presided over by Robert G. Becker, president of the board of directors of Nathan Hale Housing Company Inc., featured village, town and county officials celebrating the complex's return.
Becker said in his opening address that the 126-unit housing facility "is every bit as beautiful as it was before." He then offered thanks to the many people and organizations that, he recalled, "helped us get through that fateful night." Nine firefighters from the Lynbrook Fire Department alone were cited for bravery for their heroic efforts that night, and many were in attendance for the special ceremony. Becker also expressed his gratitude to the American Red Cross, the Town of Hempstead and countless other organizations that provided clothing, storage and housing for the displaced seniors.
The fire, which resulted in the death of one resident, was the beginning of a two-year nightmare for the residents who lost their homes in the blaze, but all was forgotten at the re-dedication. They were home again.
"The neighbors surrounding the facility were also wonderful," said Becker. "Many of them opened up their homes to the residents, and provided blankets and socks at 2:30 that morning."
The keynote speaker at the ceremony was Francis X. Becker, who was mayor at the time of the original opening of Nathan Hale. He recalled how the present site of the housing complex was once basically a "junkyard and a place for people to walk their dogs." The need for a facility like Nathan Hale was apparent, he said.
Several presentations were made during the ceremony, including a bouquet of flowers to Augustine "Dottie" LaBarbara, the only original resident from the 1972 opening of the facility.
The outdoor dining area where the ceremony was held was dedicated to current resident and former Nathan Hale president Jack Gordon. It was christened "Jack's Place," and Morrey Forman, Lynbrook village trustee and managing agent of the facility, said, "This is being done for a man who has given his heart and soul to the place."
Since the fire, so have many others. Thanks to the commitment of the Nathan Hale Board, the support of its residents and the efforts of the fire department, Nathan Hale has opened its doors again.
