Roslyn elementary school teacher Roy W. Moger (1907-1992) is best remembered today as the author of Roslyn – Then and Now, the book that is still considered the definitive written history of Roslyn. First published in 1965, Roslyn – Then and Now grew out of Moger’s 1960 booklet written for teachers entitled, Roslyn – Our Town. Written as an imaginary bus tour through the community, a revised edition of the book was published by The Bryant Library in 1992.
Roy grew up in his family’s home on Remsen Avenue. He attended the Roslyn Village School and Roslyn High School, graduating in 1925.
After attending Amherst College for three years, Roy transferred to New York University. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1932. After working for a variety of companies over the following decade, Roy enrolled in New Paltz State Teachers College. His first assignment came in 1950 when he began teaching fourth grade at the Village School. He went on to teach homebound students in all grades and became one of the first Special Education teachers in Roslyn’s public schools, teaching at the Village and East Hills Schools. He retired from teaching in 1972.
From the beginning of his teaching career, Roy shared his love of Roslyn and its history with his students. During the first week of classes in 1950, he led his students on a walk from the then-new Roslyn Viaduct to explore the shipyards and lumber yards that were still a major part of the Village’s commercial life.
Roy’s daily teaching planner
Tours like this led him to research and prepare the booklet, Our Town Roslyn. Published by Roslyn Public Schools in January 1960, the spiral-bound book was designed to provide “A brief history of the Roslyn area to serve the staff in guiding their students on trips around Roslyn.” Roy continued his research and writing in subsequent years and, in 1965, published “Roslyn Then and Now.”
In 1959, Roy established the Laurel Homes Study Hall, an afterschool program for local children providing homework help and academic assistance. Operated by The Better Roslyn Association through 1964, the program was staffed by high school students, teachers, and local residents.
Roy’s deep affection for Roslyn was evident throughout his life. In addition to serving five terms as Village Trustee, Roy was Roslyn Village Historian and played an active role in Roslyn’s 1976 Bicentennial Celebration. Playing the part of Benjamin Franklin, he grew his beard and hair to resemble the famous founding father.
Roy Moger’s legacy is felt throughout The Bryant Library Local History Collection through his personal papers, photographs, writings, and other media associated with him. His works are a great starting point for anyone interested in Roslyn’s rich history!
