Eagle Scout Joseph Albano restores historic statues at Valley Stream school

The statues at Valley Stream 13 carry a piece of New York history, dating back to the 1964 World’s Fair. When Joseph Albano noticed that the sculptures needed attention, he saw an opportunity to help preserve them for future generations while completing the service project required to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Albano, a member of Scouting Troop 109, spent nearly a year planning and completing the restoration of the statues, also known as the “Worlds Fair Chunkies”, which were originally displayed at the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens.

“I saw the sculptures on the other side of the road, and I realized that those needed work,” Albano said.

He initially considered building a bridge at Valley Stream State Park for his Eagle Scout service project, but realized the undertaking would be too extensive. Instead, he turned his attention to the statues at the school, where he saw an opportunity to make a lasting difference.

The sculptures needed more than a cleaning. Construction in the area had left them displaced, and two statues were moved from Willow Elementary School so the collection could be displayed together.

Albano cleaned and painted the sculptures, made structural repairs and returned them to their positions. He also had a plaque made to commemorate the project and recognize his role in the restoration.

The process required patience. Albano spent about a year working through the proposal and approval process before completing the physical work. He needed school board approval, and the monthly meeting schedule added time to the process. Because the sculptures were outdoors, winter weather also interrupted his progress.

“The most challenging part was probably dealing with the weather,” he said.

Albano began working on the statues in September and completed several weekends of work before snow and cold temperatures forced him to pause.

Despite the delays, seeing the completed restoration made the effort worthwhile.

“I’d say seeing the final project was the most rewarding,” Albano said, describing the transformation as significant.

The school district was pleased with the finished work, he said. Community members also contributed to a GoFundMe campaign that helped pay for supplies, supporting Albano as he worked to bring the project to completion.

His mother, Debbie Albano, said the restoration was a family effort. Her husband helped with construction, transported supplies and assisted with the materials needed for the project. He had also supported Joseph throughout his years in Scouting, regularly driving him to meetings and occasionally joining him on camping trips.

“My husband probably is the one that supported him most,” she said.

Joseph has been involved in Scouting for 11 years, beginning in second grade. Although he initially joined at his parents’ encouragement, he grew to enjoy the outdoor activities, camping and friendships he developed through the program.

Still, earning Scouting’s highest rank was not something he always expected to accomplish.

“To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to achieve it,” he said. “I thought I would somehow have to quit or drop out.”

The rank of Eagle Scout requires Scouts to earn at least 21 merit badges, advance through the program’s other ranks, hold leadership positions and complete an approved service project. Albano’s restoration marked a significant milestone after more than a decade in the organization.

After completing the project, Albano also found a way to extend its educational impact beyond the sculptures themselves. Using the money left over from the project, he donated books about the 1964 World’s Fair to the libraries at Howell, Dever, Wheeler Avenue and Willow elementary schools.

Albano donated one book to each library, giving students another opportunity to learn about the World’s Fair and the history behind the statues displayed in their community.

The sculptures’ connection to the World’s Fair gives the restoration significance beyond the school grounds. By returning the statues to their positions and improving their appearance, Albano helped preserve a piece of history for students and community members to appreciate.

For Albano, the project also represented the culmination of years of participation in Scouting, the support of his family and the contributions of community members who helped make the restoration possible.

The restored display brings the sculptures together, while the donated books give younger students context for the artwork and its history.