The Christ’s affiliation with Fosters Meadow originates back when, two brothers, John and Emanuel, immigrated from Germany in 1864 to America.  They were both accompanied with their wives Rossina (surname unknown) and Elizabeth Joerz.  Initially, they lived in Manhattan, then afterwards settled in New Hyde Park, NY, in 1867. 

The oldest brother John, was a machinist and ran an inn and grocery store in New Hyde Park with his wife Rossina.  They had one son, Philip and a grandson, Marcus.  Philip became  the supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, then chairman of the Nassau County Board of Supervisors and started the Long Island Seed Company in New Hyde Park.  In later years he was appointed postmaster, elected receiver of taxes and President of the Board of Education of New Hyde Park.  His son, Marcus became a judge, and was appointed to the Appellate Division of the State of New York and was elected a Justice of the State of New York Supreme Court.

The younger brother Emanuel, also resided in New Hyde Park and was a blacksmith, wheelwright, and operated a lumber mill.  The Fosters Meadow connection was linked when two of Emanuel's children married into the Fosters Meadow community.

Emanuel married Elizabeth in Paris, France, before immigrating to America.

They had 10 children: Conrad, Elizabeth, Annie, Lena, Antonia, John, Minnie, Emanuel, Mae and George.  The first two children were linked with Fosters Meadow, Conrad and Elizabeth, by marriages to the Hoeffner and Krumenacker families.

Conrad was born on February 28, 1867 in Manhattan, NY.  Once the family was established in New Hyde Park he went to school at St. Boniface RC School in Fosters Meadow.  It is in Fosters Meadow were he met Katharine Hoeffner, daughter of Nicholaus and Gertrude Kraus, both residents Fosters Meadow.  They were married at St. Boniface RC Church on January 15, 1895.  Following their marriage they moved to Westbury, NY, where Conrad built wagons and buggies, designed and made ornamental gates for estates in Old Westbury, NY.  His son and his grandson followed in his footsteps and were wood and iron workers.

Elizabeth Christ, born in 1869 married John L. Krumenacker, born May 23, 1868. They were married  February 19. 1889.  John was a member of the Fosters Meadow community, and John was a house builder from Floral Park. He built several homes in New Hyde Park, where he established his residence. They had two children, Carl and Elizabeth.

Reference: “The Early History of New Hyde Park”, written by George E. Christ.

It is through the generosity of the  Emanuel’s grandson the late George E. Christ and his wife Helene, that made the Fosters Meadow Heritage Center room possible. Franklin Square Historical Society has officially named the room, The George and Helen Christ Fosters Meadow Heritage Center.

Submitted by : Raymond Hoeffner

Email: RHoeffner@gmail.com