Notable Locations

The Kissing Bridge

The Kissing Bridge crossed Milburn Creek where Brookside Avenue intersects Seaman Avenue. Originally a wooden structure, the Kissing Bridge was replaced around 1908 by a steel bridge. In the 1900s, the area south of the Kissing Bridge was known as Stanton Park. According to a legend published in the Nassau County Review, the bridge got its name when member of the Massapequa Tribe went to this location to meet his Iroquois love. The couple was attacked by the jilted lover of the woman and the Massapequa tribesman was killed by a tomahawk. As the murderer was about to kidnap the young woman, an anonymous young Brave saved her. For his courage, she kissed him on the brow.

The path that led to the bridge was often referred to as Lover’s Lane and was a stop on the local trolley.

In 1922, the Kissing Bridge was mentioned in another sinister crime. Freeport teacher Edith E. Lavoy was shot and killed by her fiancé William Creasy on June 22 soon after Lavoy broke off their engagement. According to other teachers living with Lavoy, Creasy wanted Lavoy to carry out a suicide pack at the Kissing Bridge. Lavoy had been avoiding Creasy when he appeared at her rooming house at 156 North Main Street. She was later found shot dead in the home’s sitting room. After a sensational trial that included the testimony of Grove Street School’s Principal Edna M. Shoemaker, Creasy was found guilty and sentenced to death in Sing Sing Prison. After spending nine months on death row, Creasy was granted a second trial and was later acquitted.

Sources:

"CREASY ACQUITTED, GOES TO OLD HOME :Prosecution's Star Witness First to Kiss Him as He Is Freed of Murder Charge.. " New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 24 Jan. 1924,19-19. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Freeport Memorial Library, Freeport, NY. 21 Dec. 2007

"FIND W.M. CREASY GUILTY OF MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE :Kentucky Mechanic Shot Edith Lavoy, Freeport (L.I.) School Teacher. HEARS VERDICT UNMOVED Motion for New Trial Denied-- Sentence Set for Oct. 7-- Counsel Will Appeal. VICTIM'S MOTHER IN COURT Creasy's Father and Sister Encourage Him After His Conviction.. " New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 4 Oct. 1922,1-1. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Freeport Memorial Library, Freeport NY. 21 Dec. 2007

"HATRED FOR CREASY IN DEAD GIRL'S NOTE :Miss Lavoy's Roommate Gives Nassau Prosecutor an Unfinished Letter to Mother. SHE CALLED HIM "OIL CAN" Young Man's Counsel Says He Has Missives to "My Darling Boy," Showing Despondency.. " New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 27 Jun 1922,13. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Freeport Memorial Library, Freeport, NY 21 Dec. 2007

"TEACHER SHOT DEAD, FIANCE ARRESTED :Prosecutor Hears That Prisoner Had Proposed a Suicide Pact. SHOT HERSELF, MAN SAYS Dead Girl's Friends Tell of Broken Engagement and Her Fear of Harm. TEACHER SHOT DEAD, FIANCE ARRESTED Had Refused to Marry Him. Said She Had Killed Herself.. " New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 24 Jun 1922,1. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Freeport Memorial Library, Freeport, NY 21 Dec. 2007