Generally Speaking: Brooklyn Society marks 137 years

The Society of Old Brooklynites held its 137th anniversary gala at the Bay Ridge Manor late last month. The group was founded in 1880 when Brooklyn was an independent city and the third largest in the nation. New Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Marty Maher was the keynote speaker which included him giving an insightful projected presentation on Brooklyn parks, historic sites and famous Brooklynites. 

Ron Schweiger, a past society president and the official borough historian, swore in the newly re-elected society President George Broadhead and fellow officers First Vice President Theodore General, Second Vice President Michael Spinner, Treasurer Sherman Silverman and Secretary Ellen Haywood. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Army Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Hendrick (Ret.) with the national anthem being sung by tenor Jonathan Tetelman. Society Chaplain Reverend J. W. Forchalle gave the invocation. 

Tenor Tetelman accompanied by pianist Jesse Pieper charmed everyone in attendance with his superb rendition of operatic and Broadway tunes. This remarkable young tenor is destined for greatness!  The entertainment was coordinated by Artistic Director Daniel Cardona and the Martha Cardona Opera Company.

Our hearty congratulations to Bay Ridgeite Daniel Prebutt who was recently promoted by the National Park Service to become the new museum curator for Manhattan’s nine national park sites.

For many years, Prebutt was the interpretive/lead national park ranger at the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace Museum at 28 East 20th Street in Manhattan. Teddy Roosevelt was the first president born in New York City. Prebutt was the guest speaker at the June monthly meeting of the Bay Ridge Historical Society.

Breaking with a long tradition of holding its annual graduation ceremonies at Brooklyn College, members of Fort Hamilton High School’s Class of 2017 received their diplomas at the Ford Amphitheater at the Coney Island Boardwalk. The graduates and their parents were thrilled with the new venue. New York State Assemblymember Pam Harris was the guest speaker.