Preserving Long Island
Michael Benzinger

Guggenheim Elementary School
Mrs. Deriu, Grade 4

There are many Landmarks in Port Washington, but my favorite one is the Landmark Building on Main Street.

The Landmark was built in 1908 and opened as a High School in 1909 until 1926. From 1926 until 1955 it was a Junior High School. It then became an Elementary School from 1955 until 1985 then it closed for good.

The Port Washington citizens did not want the building torn down. Many people worked together to have it made into an historic landmark because of its special Beaux Arts architecture. People thought it was an important part of Port Washington's history because thousands of children went to school there including my dad and all of my aunts and uncles.

A group of Port Washington residents worked on committees and raised money to help have the building made into apartments for senior citizens, a theater with shows for adults and children and a children center and a teen center. There is a great playground and nice lawns outside the building.
I am glad the building is still on Main street. I loved playing on the playground with my friends. I also felt really great when I went to the teen center with m older brother on skate night. It was really cool Once my mom took me in to see what thetheater looked like it was so big it was amazing.

It was fun to be in a place where my father went to school.