F.S. teens honored by town for historical book

Franklin Square teens Kiera Grassi and Hannah Mutum recently worked with F.S. Historical Society president Paul van Wie to create a historical book that includes a photographic survey of Franklin Square’s history, from the 1600s to present day.

In pursuit of Girl Scout Gold awards last year, Grassi and Mutum, both seniors at H. Frank Carey High School, volunteered to assist the Historical Society in creating the book — “Franklin Square,” part of Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series — which includes facts about George Washington’s 1790 visit to Franklin Square; the community’s growth as a 19th Century German-speaking farm community, Fosters Meadow; and the creation of the first credit card by the Franklin Square National Bank in the early 1950s.

On Nov. 2, Grassi and Mutum participated in a book-signing at a Barnes and Noble store located on Old Country Road, where the book is currently being sold. Last week, they each received the Town of Hempstead’s Make a Difference Award for their yearlong effort creating the book.

“They gave up many weekends, days of summer vacation and winter break to do the work,” said Carol Grassi, Grassi’s mother.

“Franklin Square” has been available for purchase online and in stores since Oct. 3. “I am proud and excited,” said Kiera Grassi. “I didn’t think we would have a book with our name on it.”

A portion of the book’s proceeds will go toward the half-finished Franklin Square Museum in Rath Park, which the Hisotrical Society began constructing in 2006.