Port Washington in Nassau County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gay Pearsall
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 18, 2025
1. Gay Pearsall Marker
planted in memory of
Gay Pearsall
Founder of the
John Philip Sousa
Memorial Bandshell
1986
Port Washington
Chamber of Commerce
Erected 1986 by Port Washington Chamber of Commerce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1967.
Location. 40° 49.947′ N, 73° 42.1′ W. Marker is in Port Washington, New York, in Nassau County. It is on Main Street close to Covert Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Washington NY 11050, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the New York City Metropolitan Area and on Long Island. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pvt. John Michael Marino (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank Plant McCreery (within shouting distance of this marker); Port Washington Korean War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Port Washington World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Port Washington World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Port Washington Vietnam War Memorial (within
this page online
Also see . . .
1. John Philip Sousa (Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society).
In 1963, Gay Pearsall, our town crier and the ultimate John Philip Sousa fan, later reminisced to the Port Washington News that, the nights, three in all Sousas invisible presence seem to wake her demanding she build a Band Shell for him. Well, Pearsall did just that. She immediately started a fundraising campaign and in just four years Sousas Stars and Stripes Forever was heard emanating from Port Washingtons newly dedicated John Philip Sousa Band Shell. Thanks to Pearsalls inspiration and energy, we can still enjoy summer evenings at the Band Shell listening to a broad range of musical presentations.(Submitted on October 31, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
2. Building a Dream: The History of the John Philip Sousa Memorial Bandshell. (Submitted on October 31, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 18, 2025
2. Gay Pearsall Marker
The Port Washington Garden Club replaced the American elm with a pin oak in 2022.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 18, 2025
3. John Philip Sousa Bandshell
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 18, 2025
4. John Philip Sousa Bandshell Dedication
Two additional markers are located inside the bandshell. One is a plaque dedicated to the bandshell's construction, and a second is also dedicated to Gay Pearsall, the bandshell's founder.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 31, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
