Historical Society Exhibit Honors Irvington's Behind-the-Scenes Heroes

The Irvington Historical Society opened its doors Saturday, debuting an exhibit comprised of old police blotters, fire department paraphernalia from as early as 1880 and newspaper clippings documenting the brutal murder of an Irvington police officer in March, 1929. 

"The idea behind this installation was to honor the members of our community who aren't as visible as the mayor or the business owner whose deli you patronize every day," Barbe Crowley, an Irvington Historical Society docent, said. "Here we document the contributions of the 'behind-the-scenes' workers in the public service departments."

Focusing on the police department, fire department, ambulance corps., public works department, water department and parks and recreation department, historical society president Andy Lyons—in conjunction with a core group of dedicated volunteers—have dug deep into the village's history to paint a clear picture of the people who have held the community together.

"Something I was struck by was how, for such a small community, there is so much family history within departments," Lyons said. "Some families had multiple generations of police officers or fighter fighters—I think that says something about a community."

Only two officers have been killed in the line of duty during Irvington's history, a fireman and a police officer, and both of their sacrifices are emphasized particularly in the exhibit.

"I was interested in telling the stories of the different departments' sacrifices and their incredible training and work for the community," said Lyons, whose own daughter, now 22, joined the Irvington Volunteer Fire Department when she was only 17. "Her work definitely brought the two deaths closer to home, but I honestly don't worry when she's called out to a fire. They are so well trained."

Though the idea to dedicate this exhibit to public service was conceived well before police officer Luigi Osso's nearly fatal crash in April, Lyons said the village's support for Osso and his family were perfectly in line with how Irvington has rallied behind its public workers from the beginning. 

"This exhibit is definitely a work in progress," Lyons said. "And one display we are currently putting together is a photographic collage of everything what was done for Luigi Osso."

Lyons spread a slew of photos procured from the police and recreation departments.

"This is a picture of two girls who set up a lemonade stand to fundraise for him and this one shows the candlelight vigil the police department held in his honor," Lyons said.

And in addition to showing public service workers in action, many photographs depict the extra step these men and women have taken to enhance the community.

"The fire department used to put on talent shows," Crowley said, pointing out a photograph of firefighters dressed more to entertain than to protect.

Lyons added, "It's amazing how well the recreation, police and fire departments have worked to engage everyone—youth, adults and seniors."

Perusing the exhibit, it's easy to get lost in police blotters dating back to the 1920's and 30's and newspaper articles describing Police Officer George Duggan's 1929 "cold blood murder."  The one fire fighter who lost in the line of duty was Dennis McCarthy, who died of smoke asphyxiation in 1941.

"It is amazing how well the police department keeps its documents archived," Lyons said. "I was able to get blotters going back over 100 years. And despite how hard they work, they were able to take the time to find everything."

Though not a historian—Lyons originally came to Irvington as one of the partners in the Bridge Street construction project started in 1996—he has become engrossed in the village's history, probably because of the people who have worked with him to bring it to life.

"It's been so enriching to meet the wonderful people involved with the historical society," Lyons said. "We all share a love and appreciation for the community's rich history."

The Irvington Historical Society is located at 131 Main Street in Irvington. Their hours are Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment.