Although he wasn't raised in Garden City and doesn't live in the village today, Bill Shillalies and his family made memories in the village when he taught at the former St. Paul's boys' school for almost 15 years and lived in one of the cottages that still remain on the property. Shillalies, who began teaching in 1979, continued through until 1994. He now resides in East Meadow with his wife and 13-year-old son, Max.

"We loved the community spirit of St. Paul's," he said. "Many past faculty families and students are dear friends that are important in our lives. The faculty and staff were like a big extended family and we have so many great memories of the years we spent there."

When Max was born, Shillalies said his son spent the early part of his childhood years playing on and exploring the school's fields. "Our cottage overlooked the fields - it was like living on a private country estate in the middle of Garden City," he added. In fact, after years of vacancy, Shillalies' cottage doorplate still adorns his last name.

"I feel very passionate about the building. Being an artist, how can you not see the beauty and strength of St. Paul's? Something like that could never be built again in the history of Long Island. The elegant wrought iron rails, clay tiles, carved stone and hand-cut decorative wood are historic treasures."

He undoubtedly feels the building should be saved. "If I had the money I would bring it back to life! It is a majestic building - if only the walls could talk," he said. "If you read the history of Alexander Stewart and the vision he had and how his wife kept that vision alive by building the St. Paul's School, it's a part of the story of Garden City, Long Island and New York!"

Although he chose not to comment on what became known as the Kenny lawsuit, which halted the conversion of St. Paul's into an assisted living facility, Shillalies realizes the building would be costly to save.

He alluded to a former teacher at St. Paul's by the name of Bill Smith. Smith went on to write Laboring On, which discusses the building's history as well as its legends. "I know it will cost a lot to save but there has to be historical foundations, past parents or alumni that would help restore the building to its former glory!"

He recalls the mother's and father's associations working hard to keep St. Paul's in shape during his tenure. "I remember they used to say back then that it would cost $20 million to save it. America is so young in history - we are always so quick to tear things down. We need to hold on to some of our past and preserve it!"