Schwarz, Charles

Ran the Greenhouse Business on Central Avenue. Was President of the Bethpage Board of Education.

Charles W. B. Schwarz was selected by the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society, May, 1989, and was presented a Certificate of Recognition as the most distinguised citizen of Bethpage - a soldier, public official, an outstanding citizen who has contributed much in preserving the traditions of the past and worked for progress and betterment of our community in the future.

Charles came to Central Park, as a boy in 1909, and with his family operated a florist shop on Central Avenue. During World War I, he served with the 87th Division. After returning from the war, he helped found the Archie McCord Post of the American Legion. He served as its commander and is presently president of the Post.

Charlie Schwartz was a boyhood friend of Archie McCord who did not return from the war. In his honor and in honor of the veterans of all wars, our honoree arranged the Memorial Day Parade for the last fifty consecutive years.

Charles Schwarz served on the Bethpage School Board for twelve years, and during that period the ground work was laid to build six schools including our excellent high school.

In 1936 he was one of the prime movers in changing the name of Central Park to Bethpage. And he was part of the committee celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of that event. Also in 1936, at the height of the great depression, he worked tirelessly to convince the Grumman Corporation to locate in Bethpage. This provided needed employment for so many of our residents.

He served as a Fire Commissioner and has been closely associated with the Fire Department for most of his life.

(From the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society Memorial Day Observation, May 29, 1989, by Francis B. Looney)