Rosemary Barrow to Be Honored by Chamber

The Hicksville Chamber of Commerce's "Citizen of the Year" award acknowledges the ongoing efforts of a non-business or business person who showed exceptional dedication to the improvement and betterment of Hicksville and its people for their generous contribution of time, energy and service given toward the promotion and growth of a better Hicksville. Not being able to think of a more deserving individual, this year's recipient is Rosemary Barrow. Through her work and dedication, Barrow has given Hicksville a strong sense of place and we thank for all she has done and has yet to do.

Barrow grew up in the tiny Irish community of Woodlawn in the Bronx. After a fine education at St. Barnabas High School and a bachelor of arts from Mt. Saint Vincent, both all girls schools, she went on to an exciting year of graduate work at Columbia University. Ivy League tuition was expensive, even in the 1940s, and the chance offer of an elementary school position "starting tomorrow" triggered a switch to night classes at Columbia Teachers' College and Hunter Graduate School of Education. Once caught in the enchantment of teaching the little ones, there was no turning back for Barrow.

The next few years included marriage to Warren, a decorated WWII hero and a talented craftsman, renounced for his patience followed by the birth of Nancy and Lisa. After nine years in New York City schools, it was time for a move to the suburbs and Hicksville, with its reputation for innovative programs, was a Mecca for teachers like Barrow.

The best way to become established in a new community is to volunteer. Our Lady of Mercy was opening a school and needed someone to set up a library and staff it with other volunteers. Barrow took on this challenge over the next eight years, which also included the birth of Christopher and a master's degree in library science from Long Island University. Soon after, Barrow took on another career change at the Library/Media Center at Hicksville's Willet Avenue School where Barrow worked for the next 19 years. In this capacity, she earned one of the greatest professional achievements - to be twice honored by graduating high school scholars as the elementary school teacher who most influenced their lives.

Interest in the Hicksville Gregory Museum was an outgrowth of Barrow's Our Lady of Mercy/library degree experience. What seemed a likely topic for a master's thesis became a dominating force for the next 33 years. Her entire family participated in the museum's development and seemingly constant restoration projects. It was a wonderful adventure and led to many lasting friendships as well as other interests - the study of minerals and paleontology to understand the collections, antiques and collectibles for fund-raising sales, small business, Long Island and local history.

Today, Barrow's grandchildren, R.J. and Frank Webber and Benjamin Sinclair, pitch in when they visit New York, and Julia Barrow just loves the new little dinosaur.

In addition to serving more than 30 years as a Hicksville Gregory Museum trustee, Barrow also served as secretary, treasurer, vice president, educational advisor, fund-raiser, public relations coordinator, cleaning lady and tour guide. She has also served as a charter member of the Hicksville Historical Society and the Hicksville Community Council and is a member of the Hicksville Gardens Civic Association, Nassau Mineral Club - mentoring their Junior Club for eight years, the Association of Retired Hicksville School Employees and the Rosary Altar Society of Our Lady of Mercy Church.