A grassroots effort to preserve a cherished piece of local history received a boost from a $500 donation from the Mastics-Shirley Lions Club. The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library accepted the contribution to support the future restoration of the historic Little Red Schoolhouse in Moriches, a century-old landmark now under the library’s stewardship following its transfer from the William Floyd School District.
The donation was presented at a recent meeting of the library’s board of directors, where Lions Club President Robert Prevete handed the check to Library Board President Joseph Maiorana. They were joined by Lions First Vice President Theresa Taylor and Library Trustees Nancy Kimmerling and Wendy Gross, who praised the partnership behind the effort.
The funds were raised through a collaborative, community-wide initiative involving the Mastics-Shirley Lions Club, the Mastic Park Civic Association, and the Mastic Peninsula Historical Society. Proceeds came from the groups’ joint 100th anniversary celebration of the Little Red Schoolhouse, held in September at La Buena Vida in Moriches.
Maiorana said the contribution reflects the community’s shared commitment to preserving an important local treasure. “The Little Red Schoolhouse represents our shared history and our commitment to preserving it for the next generation,” he said. “We are deeply grateful to these three community organizations for recognizing the importance of this project and contributing to its future.”
Prevete said club members were honored to be part of the milestone celebration and the restoration effort. “This building tells the story of where we came from—and preserving it ensures that story continues to be told,” he said.
Built in 1925, the Little Red Schoolhouse stands at the corner of Montauk Highway and Williams Street. Though no longer used as a classroom, the building is slated for future restoration and repurposing as a community and educational space honoring its original role as a center of local learning. Saving the landmark has been a pet project of resident Joe May, who attended the school.