Memories

Rick Beckjord’s portrait of Barbara Greeley now hangs in Greeley Hall.

DEER IS

It was only fitting, last August, that the town gave a proper name to the hall at the Sullivan-Sorrento Recreation Center, which was built and last dedicated in 1958.

Now, the building that houses the library, an adult education center, and a larger hall for Beano and big dinners, has a name for that upstairs hall: Greeley Hall.

The newest dedication honors Barbara Greeley, remembered by other residents as a tireless, devoted volunteer for the town.

Greeley passed away last April 17. The hall was named for her at a celebration at Sullivan Daze in early August, when a portrait of Greeley was unveiled at a breakfast specifically for that purpose. Local artist Rick Beckjord did the portrait that now hangs in the hall.

“Anything you asked Barbara to do, she would,” said Town Clerk Lynn Dunbar.

“She basically ran the rec center. She was also a Girl Scout leader, and has been on all the committees that the town put together.

“If you needed someone to serve on a board, you called Barbara. She was ready.”

Greeley also was postmaster of the West Sullivan Post Office for 23 years, retiring in 1989.

She was treasurer for the rec center for many years, presiding over the weekly Beano games that are popular as ever.

“She had the key to the rec center and, boy, she watched it like a hawk,” remembers resident Peg Walker.

“She made sure that everyone else lived up to their responsibilities, too.”