FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE – A Warwick Rose

This past Sunday under the roof trees of the Old School Baptist Meeting House, the Warwick Historical Society held their annual meeting. It was an opportunity to honor Village Historian, Jean Beattie May, who is stepping down from the position. Jean has been Village Historian since 2010. I presented Jean with a proclamation and a sweet bouquet of our Village flower – roses of course! Jean, you have truly been a true friend to Warwick Village and we are grateful for your service that has helped illuminate our history.

The historian prior to Jean was Florence Tate – a remarkable archivist, historian and information sleuth as Village Historian. Jean brought her distinctive mark to the role which broadened the scope and enriched the activities.

Jean is a fifth generation Warwickian who’s passion for history began at a young age. She became an active member of the Historical Society in 1962. The work she performed over the years include a series of well researched articles for the local newspapers and as curator of exhibits for the Historical Society. She also created displays in the lobby of Village Hall, spotlighting aspects of Village history. She was the key note speaker at Founders Day during the Village Sesquicentennial. One of the most impressive pieces that she worked on was the collaboration and publication of “The Halcyon Days: The Historic Homes of Warwick and the Families that Breathed Life into Them”.

Luckily, we are blessed with someone who will continue and enhance Florence and Jean’s work. The Village Board has appointed Ivy Tulin as our new historian. Ivy served twenty-two years as a teacher of Spanish language and the history, culture and literature of Hispanic countries. Ivy has been the historian/archivist for the Christ Episcopal Church and has worked in many capacities for the Warwick Historical Society including archivist, docent, researcher and educator. She comes to us ready to go and we are excited to begin what we hope will be a long relationship. Welcome Ivy!