Society of Old Brooklynites celebrates 135th anniversary

The Society of Old Brooklynites celebrated its 135^th anniversary at the Bay Ridge Manor on Sunday, June 28, by swearing in the society’s officers and directors, with former Borough President Marty Markowitz delivering the keynote speech.

“We feel it was a very successful event, and hopefully it will encourage us to move on with bigger and better things,” said Ted General, who was sworn in as the society’s first vice president. “I appreciate the opportunity to join in on the celebration and the fact that the organization just marked its 135^th anniversary.”

The event began at 12:30 p.m., and Markowitz, who is now tasked with drawing visitors to the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn as vice president of borough promotion and engagement for NYC & Company, spoke about some of his new responsibilities. Markowitz is a life member of the society. State Senator Marty Golden swore in the officers, beginning with George Broadhead, the new president, who took the reins of the society from outgoing President Ron Schweiger.

The society first formed in 1880 to oppose the incorporation of Brooklyn into the City of Greater New York. The incorporation ended up going through, but the society stuck together in an effort to preserve Brooklyn’s history, cultivate local pride and promote fellowship and interaction among its members. The society hosts monthly meetings at Brooklyn Borough Hall with speakers and presentations for its members.

The society’s main annual event, which will take place in August during Battle of Brooklyn Week, is the memorial tribute that takes place at Fort Greene Park for the Prison Ship Martyrs to raise awareness of the Revolutionary War prisoners that were incarcerated by the British and jailed in horrific, disease-ridden conditions.

“It’s very important to let the public at large know that the monument exists,” General said.