The story of Roger and Peggy Gerry is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to preserving the historical and architectural heritage of Roslyn, New York, a quaint village on Long Island's North Shore.
Through their remarkable strength of character and complementary personalities, the Gerrys' left an indelible mark on their community, transforming Roslyn from a town facing deterioration to a thriving example of preservation.
“We owe a lot to Roger and Peggy, and I think they really did save the village and preserve a lot of these houses that would have gone dilapidated so easily without constant care.” – Susan Shaw, Roslyn resident.
Roger and Peggy Gerry, a dynamic couple with a deep reverence for historic architecture and community heritage, arrived in Roslyn in 1951, captivated by the village's quaint charm and architectural treasures (Fletcher Russel, 2004). However, their idyllic vision was soon clouded by signs of encroaching decay and rapid development, threatening Roslyn's unique character and historic fabric.
The 1947 loss of the grand Harbor Hill estate to soaring property taxes and the encroachment of borough-type apartment complexes, underscored the challenges that were facing Roslyn. Increasing traffic, declining businesses, and inadequate governance exacerbated the decline, prompting some longtime residents to leave for quieter surroundings. Others moved to new developments, abandoning the historic village center. (Hellmer, 1985)
The turning point arrived with plans to pave over Silver Lake pond, a beloved landmark, to address parking congestion. Roger Gerry rallied residents to protect their heritage which marked the pivotal moment in Roger and Peggy's lifelong commitment to preservation.(Amon, 1981)
Historic preservation, as the Gerrys understood, is not merely about freezing time or halting progress; it's about managing change thoughtfully. When the couple returned from Japan in 1958, they were shocked to find Roslyn in serious disrepair, with rampant development threatening its historic core. The prospect of widening the main street loomed large, promising to destroy homes and transform the village into a mere traffic circle. (Fletcher Russel, 2004)
At this period in the United States, the preservation movement was gaining traction against urban renewal and the reckless destruction of cherished landmarks like New York City's Penn Station in 1963. Critiques of urban policies and the loss of traditional neighborhoods fueled changing attitudes toward preservation in the 1960s and 1970s.(IHH, 2019)
Roger Gerry’s refusal to accept defeat propelled him into action. Despite initial skepticism and the odds stacked against him, Roger's measured approach and unwavering resolve ultimately persuaded county officials to abandon the plan.(Rosenfield, 1961)
The Gerry’s quickly understood that preservation was not just about preserving buildings; it was about safeguarding a community's identity and sense of place.
Taking a proactive approach, to keep villagers up to date on restoration work and to promote Roslyn’s architectural and historical features, they first established the Roslyn Landmark Society in 1961, followed by the Roslyn Preservation Corporation. By restoring derelict buildings and educating the community about their architectural heritage, they instilled a sense of pride and ownership among residents.
Their shared vision and infectious passion brought residents together, local leaders, and preservation advocates, creating a unified front against the encroaching threats to the village's existence.
Central to Roslyn's preservation journey was the collaboration between passionate individuals like the Gerry's, carpenters, historians and skilled professionals like Guy Ladd Frost, an architect who arrived in Roslyn with his family in 1966.
Roger had a transformative impact on Guy’s architectural approach recalled his wife Donna, transitioning from modernist inclinations to a deep appreciation for historic preservation. Through Roger's mentorship, Guy became intricately involved in restoring old houses, blending modern functionality with historical authenticity.
“They worked well together” remembered Donna Frost. They (Roger and Peggy Gerry) were strong-willed and opinionated, but they were very nice to us, very nice. And it's almost like they took us into their family.”
The Gerry’s self-style parenting approach to preservation extended beyond personal interest to community-wide engagement.
“Roslyn was Gerry’s child”, said Craig Westergard -an architect and Trustee on the Roslyn Landmark Society and the Village of Roslyn -who arrived in Roslyn in the late 80s and was quickly “recruited” by the Gerry’s. “That was their life. You know, Roslyn was their train set. No termite-bitten cornice or damaged roof shingle got replaced without their knowledge”.
Their vigilance never seemed to waver; they had control over what went on in Roslyn.
Anne Gronan, now chairwoman of the Historic District Board, was first introduced to Roslyn in the late seventies and moved permanently to Roslyn in 1983, this time with her husband. From impromptu visits to formal dinners, Roger and Peggy Gerry made efforts to integrate newcomers into the fabric of Roslyn Village, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
“Within 48 hours after the moving truck pulling away, without even a phone call, I came home from work and it was this loud knock on the door", reminisced Anne Gronan. “My husband wasn't home from work yet, so I was alone, and I was like, my God. It was dark out; it was October, and it was Roger Gerry. He just wanted to meet me and tell me about the Landmark Society. Tell me about the village and just sort of, you know, walked around a little bit the way Roger does.
And the first thing he said to me when I opened the door was, hi, I'm Roger Gerry and I am the head of the Landmark Society. He looked at the door knocker and he said, that's probably the most valuable thing in this house.”
Some of the residents were indifferent to the Gerry’s efforts. A few view their enthusiastic enforcement of the community’s strict preservation ordinances and covenants as downright intrusive.
"He drove a Morris Minor, an English antique car to get around town and we knew that Roger would make a stop if you saw him drive by” recalled John Durkin, Mayor of Roslyn.
His calm demeanor and diplomatic approach contrasted sharply with Peggy's fiery personality. Roger's quiet leadership brought stability and cohesion to their endeavors.
They were made for each other. Roger was very measured. She was hot-tempered and witty and acerbic, and he was calm. He would always want to make peace with people. And he would drop in on people and give them a lot of things that he'd found that would be nice in their houses”, recalled Ellen Fletcher Russel, writer, and architectural historian who lived in Roslyn from 1972 to 1977.
Peggy Gerry was known for her sharp tongue and uncompromising stance against those who neglected historic properties. Choosing to prioritize the preservation of architectural heritage over her own artistic pursuits, Peggy's commitment was not merely passive; As chairwoman of the Historic District Board, she actively took extensive notes and made sketches on every single building that came up to the board review, capturing the essence of Roslyn's architectural history.
Moreover, Roger and Peggy Gerry's enduring legacy lies in their ability to inspire future generations. Their collaborative approach, characterized by Roger's inclusivity and Peggy's passion, laid the groundwork for sustained preservation efforts.
“Slowly but surely, I got to understand how this whole process was working and what they were doing and their involvement and how the people who cared about the Village’s historic district were really.”, explained Craig Westergard who joined the Historic District Board in the early 90’s.
At the time, Long Island was witnessing a growing recognition of significant architectural buildings. Historic preservation ordinances were enacted in various municipalities to safeguard iconic structures, neighborhoods, and landmarks from demolition or insensitive redevelopment. Preservationists championed the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, promoting their integration into revitalization projects and community initiatives.
In Roslyn, the Gerry’s efforts extended beyond architectural restoration to the protection of its historic districts by including Main Street and the Roslyn Village District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.(Fletcher Russel, 2004)
Preservationists championed the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, promoting their integration into revitalization projects and community initiatives. Through advocacy campaigns, public education, and landmark designations, they undertook to preserve Long Island's architectural heritage.
Despite facing challenges such as proposed shopping malls and concerns over congestion, (Fippinger & Casey, 1986) Roslyn persevered in its preservation endeavors. The collective efforts of residents, activists, and professionals ensured that Roslyn's historic charm remained intact, serving as a testament to the power of community-driven preservation.
“I think you have to be able to understand what people now want and need and to be able to help them get that in a way that doesn't disrupt the continuation of the historic district”, explained John Durkin.
Successful communities are not merely a product of chance but rather a result of deliberate efforts and strategic planning.
The foundation of every successful community lies in a shared vision for the future. It serves as a guiding beacon, aligning the aspirations of individuals towards common goals. This shared vision fosters cohesion, collaboration, and a sense of purpose among community members. Without a unifying direction, communities risk fragmentation and stagnation, as divergent interests pull them apart.
For Anne Gronan, one lesson she learned from the Gerry’s historic district is to be reflective of people’s ability to live in it.
“One of the things that stuck with me that he said was - and I've tried to apply this on the historic district board myself - if people aren't willing to live in these houses, then the historic district will be of no value. In other words, if they really are like museums, then people will not want to live there, it's not a neighborhood. And the intent of preserving the area will be threatened.”
John Durkin, who has been mayor of Roslyn since 2000, continues to
champion preservation efforts, ensuring that future generations inherit a town steeped in history and charm.
Durkin acknowledges the evolving challenges faced in sustaining Roslyn's preservation efforts but remains steadfast in his commitment to preserving the town's unique character.
“The challenges are inherent in maintaining historical structures,” explains Craig Westergard."Wooden houses, characteristic of the area, demand meticulous upkeep, a task often neglected by indifferent property owners.” Therefore, this cyclical pattern of neglect underscores the importance of conscientious stewardship in preserving Roslyn's architectural legacy.
By establishing organizations such as the Roslyn Historic District Board and the Roslyn Landmark Society, the Gerry’s institutionalized preservation efforts, providing crucial guidance and oversight within the community.
Mayor Durkin emphasizes the importance of educating the community, particularly the younger generation, about the significance of historic preservation. For Craig Westergard, the challenge is posed by the passage of time. He also underscores the imperative of succession planning and ongoing education to ensure the continuity of preservation efforts. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future:
“There are still people that are on the board that knew the Gerry’s and were influenced by them. It's very important that the new members that get put on board are trained and learn the procedures. And up to now it's held strong. For the long term, I'm hopeful that the people will step up, people will be trained on that level.”
Today the Roslyn Landmark Society (RLS, 2024) exemplifies the multifaceted approach to heritage preservation, encompassing both architectural and cultural endeavors. Through initiatives like the Mackey Horse statue project and the restoration of the Roberson Gristmill, the society demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding Long Island's tangible and intangible heritage. The interplay between public and private funding sources highlights the collaborative nature of preservation efforts, with government grants and philanthropic contributions playing a pivotal role in sustaining momentum.
At the heart of this ongoing effort lies the Gerry Foundation, whose generous endowment continues to fuel preservation projects across Long Island. The foundation's substantial financial support shows the enduring impact of the Gerry's philanthropic legacy, enabling organizations like the Roslyn Landmark Society to pursue ambitious restoration projects and community initiatives. Westergard emphasizes the indispensable role of visionary leadership in advancing the preservation cause in the face of evolving challenges.
“It's always a battle because we live in a country of freedom and it's always very hard to be in a position to tell somebody what they can or cannot do with their building", reflects Craig Westergard. “And it took me time to really understand this concept of stewardship, the fact that when we purchase a property and live in it and it's an important historic building, you have a responsibility to maintain that building because you're really only a tenant there.”
Despite these obstacles, the Gerry’s legacy continues. Initiatives such as annual house tours and restoration projects, not only honor Roslyn’s past but also inspire future generations to appreciate its architectural heritage.
For Mayor Durkin. the need for community involvement and collective responsibility in safeguarding Roslyn's legacy for years to come is crucial:
I want to make sure that Roslyn stays the way it is. My house one day I won’t be in it. I hope the next person that has it is committed to keeping it the way I've kept it.”
John Durkin and his wife Diane wish for future residents to value and preserve the legacy they've worked so diligently to uphold. Encountering the Gerry couple ignited a sense of admiration and ambition within John and his wife Diane.
"I hoped that Diane and I could be as devoted to this place as they were. And I believe we've reached that level of commitment," he reflects, highlighting the profound impact of witnessing such unwavering dedication firsthand.
Their journey through Roslyn's historic village has not only enriched their lives but also imparted crucial lessons on the significance of safeguarding community identity and honoring the enduring legacy of those who paved the way.
The story of Roger and Peggy Gerry is a testament to the strength of character and unwavering commitment to preservation. Through their complementary personalities and steadfast resolve, the Gerry’s transformed Roslyn, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and guide the community in safeguarding their historical and architectural heritage for generations to come.
Interviews
Interview with John Durkin, Mayor of Roslyn and resident – March 6, 2024.
Interview with Anne Gronan, resident and Chaiwoman of the Roslyn Historic District Board – March 5, 2024.
Interview with Craig Westergard, resident and Trustee on the Roslyn Landmark Society board and the Village of Roslyn. – February 29, 2024.
Interview with Susan Shaw (Pee Dee Shaw), resident of the Roslyn since 1966 – February 27, 2024.
Interview with Donna Frost, a former resident of Roslyn and wife of Guy Ladd Frost – March 25, 2024.
Interview Ellen Fletcher Russel, a former resident of Roslyn. Writer and architectural historian – January 22, 2024.
References
Amon, R. (1981, July 19). Roslyn’ Great Restorer. Newsday.
Fippinger & Casey, J. and L. (1986, February 1). Roslyn Village traffic: All points saturated. Penny Saver.
Fletcher Russel, E. (2004). Roslyn Restored – The legacy of Roger and Peggy Gerry. Mount Ida Press and Charitable Trust.
Hellmer, C. (1985, September). A Long Island Heritage Town. Heritage Magazine.
IHH. (2019, June 4). Historic Preservation – The Inclusive Historian’s Handbook. https://inclusivehistorian.com/historic-preservation/
RLS. (2024). Roslyn Landmark Society. https://www.roslynlandmarks.org/
Rosenfield, F. (1961, February 22). Old Landmarks will not be destroyed. Roslyn News.
Pictures credited to the Roslyn Landmark society and Florence Westergard
Comments