Article Index
The War Years - World War II
- World War II
During World War II, many towns across America erected wooden memorials to honor the local servicemen and women. In Tottenville, a large, billboard-sized Honor Roll plaque was located on Main St. across from the Stadium Theater. In Charleston, a similar plaque was erected on Arthur Kill Rd. near Sharrotts Rd. Most of these plaques were made of plywood and did not last long. The whereabouts of both local monuments is uncertain today.
The 100 Club of Staten Island sponsored the Honor Roll Plaque in Tottenville. It was dedicated on September 19, 1942 and contained 352 names. A later photo recorded more than 750 names. Frank Kelly served as President of The 100 Club and Honorary Chairman of the Honor Roll Plaque Committee; Claude B. Gandy, Commander of the American Legion Beauvais Post, was the Committee's General Chairman. John Youngberg and Julius DelGrosso meticulously painted the plaque and lettering. Youngberg also created an oil painting of the plaque (below).
