Home > News
Town Unveils Historical Markers and Gateway Signs in New Cassel


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 6, 2018
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Rebecca Cheng, Vicki DiStefano and Matt Leonenko | (516) 869-7794

Town Unveils Historical Markers and Gateway Signs in New Cassel

Drexel Avenue School students provided insight into hamlet’s name


North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Council Member Viviana Russell unveiled two new historical markers and gateway signs in New Cassel on November 26. The elected officials were joined by North Hempstead Town Historian Howard Kroplick and Drexel Avenue Elementary School students Ryan Alvarez and Alexander Munguia.

The historical marker located at Prospect Avenue and Brush Hollow Road started as a school historical project by Ryan and Alexander. Under the guidance of Kroplick and Patricia Matarazzo,
their school librarian, the students used historical records to examine the relationship between German Hessian soldiers, the Quakers and other residents of the area during and after the Revolutionary War. They determined that many Hessian soldiers did not return to Germany, but they settled in what we know today as “New Cassel”. The name reflects the homeland of the original Hessian soldiers, Hesse-Kassel, Germany. Ryan and Alexander were awarded the 2017 NYS Archives Student Research Award (Grade 4-5) for their project.

The historical markers were installed by the North Hempstead Community Development Agency (CDA) and were funded in part by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant. The Town’s CDA also installed and funded the “welcome” signs.

“The addition of these new historical markers provides insight into the rich history of the area and gives residents an important connection to their past,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “We are so grateful to the CDA, Town Historian Howard Kroplick and students Ryan Alvarez and Alexander Munguia for working together with us on this meaningful project.”

“The Hessian Historical marker as well as the Cantiague Historical marker highlights the rich history and culture of the Westbury, New Cassel Community in the Town of North Hempstead. I’m grateful to the young students, as well as the historians of the Town who were able to unmask these timeless jewels and provide some insight into our Towns early beginnings,” said Council Member Viviana Russell.

“It was a pleasure guiding Alexander and Ryan on their impressive research on the history of our Town during the American Revolution.” said Town Historian Howard Kroplick.” I am very pleased that this research and their New York State Archives Research Award achievement will be part of the Town of North Hempstead historical marker on New Cassel.”

At the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Cantiague Lane, the historical marker identifies the site of the Cantiag Rock which serves as the eastern boundary between the North Hempstead and Oyster Bay. The site was established in 1745. The original marker was installed in 1952 as part of the New York State Education Department program which has since been discontinued.

 

 




  

View Archives