Dr. Boardman’s legacy remembered

This is second in a two-part series of columns about Walter Boardman. The first appeared in the Aug. 20-26 edition of The Oceanside/Island Park Herald.

In February 1959, Walter Boardman announced his retirement as school superintendent in order “to live at a more moderate pace” and “to accomplish [things] while…still physically able.” After months of planning, over 1,500 people paid their respects to Dr. and Mrs. Boardman in what has been described as “a setting… mindful of an old-fashioned country house party,” on June 14, 1959. Oceanside residents celebrated “Dr. Walter Boardman Day” at the High School gymnasium. The Boardmans spent hours shaking hands and speaking

with old friends and well-wishers. The speakers included Joseph Carlino, the majority leader of the New York State Assembly, who offered personal congratulations on behalf of Governor Nelson Rockefeller.

In “retirement,” Boardman authored several columns in the local newspaper, The Oceanside Beacon: “Walking With Walter” provided an account of his experiences in hiking the Appalachian Trail, “The Story of Oceanside” provided one of the first historical accounts of the community and “The Passing Scene” was a commentary on current affairs.

Boardman’s passion for the outdoors evolved into his new mission in life as he became active in the preservation of ecologically important lands and waters. He went on to become the executive director of The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Boardman eventually moved to Volusia County, Florida, where he put the same heart and effort into the forefront of the environmental battles as he did when he was the the Oceanside schools superintendent. He testified before Congress on the importance of citizen participation in land use planning and received awards for his leadership and exceptional work in the field. His dedication to preserving the environment for future generations continues through the Walter and Betty Boardman Foundation of Environmental Studies. One can even find numerous Florida streets and a pond bearing his name.

Boardman kept in touch with the community and visited many times. His last visit to Oceanside was likely in the mid-1980s. “While Dr. Boardman had been away from education for many years, he had fond memories of being superintendent in Oceanside,” said Dr. Herb Brown, current superintendent of schools, who spoke with Boardman during a visit. “Dr. Boardman discussed what it was like to be involved in a growing school district and building new schools, as opposed to the situation in the 1980s when there was a decline in the student population.”

As July marked 50 years since he retired from the Oceanside School District, Boardman’s legacy was best summarized in the school board’s June 1959 newsletter:

“It has been characteristic of Dr. Boardman to give his personal attention to each and every problem that the day might bring, and whether it happened to be the trials of a small boy, the personal problems of a faculty member or sorrow in the home of a neighbor, he has never been too occupied with business or personal affairs to offer a kind word or a helping hand. In one way or another it seems that there is hardly a home in Oceanside which has not been touched by the influence of his wisdom and understanding of the problems of his fellow men.

“In our community, Dr. Boardman has been admired and respected as one who might be called upon on any occasion and never found wanting. Without thought of self, he has been available to organizations and individuals on an almost round-the-clock basis and has always been ready and willing to offer his services if he believed that in so doing he might promote a worthy cause.

“To our schools he has been the spark and the inspiration which makes the difference between mediocrity and greatness. That our educational system today stands high not only in the state but in the nation, is no mere coincidence. Any organization is only as great as the guiding force, and Dr. Boardman has indeed been a force for all that is best for the welfare of the boys and girls entrusted to his guidance. The sincerity and enthusiasm which he has demonstrated, the courage and forthrightness which he has displayed, have been reflected in all who have been privileged to serve with him.”