In February 1957, approximately 20 Garden City residents enrolled in an Adult Education course (now called Continuing Education) on Techniques of Acting. At the conclusion of the eight-week course, the participants thought it would be a good idea to form a community theatre. Under the leadership and guidance of the late Ted Colvin, the Garden City Little Theatre was born in June 1957.

After much laboring, the first production, "Jane," was presented in the old quonset hut theatre at Adelphi University in January 1958. After the second production "Kind Sir," the group was invited to change its venue to the newly renovated Middle School auditorium by Ted Martini, then the Adult Ed coordinator.

Subsequently, two plays were presented annually until 1987, when insurance liability problems forced the group to disband.

Recently, a mini-reunion of the founders was held at the home of Vivien Schaefer Gurfein. Also present were Marion Bursch and Willa Ward of Garden City and Esther Confino of New Hyde Park. Unable to attend were Mary Garibaldi of Garden City, Evelyn Leighton of Roslyn, Erma Colvin of Springfield, NJ and Marilynn Gardner Savalas of Edwards, CO.

Over photo albums, memories were shared and amusing incidents recalled. The group was fortunate to have as one of its first directors, Telly Savalas, who went on to screen and television fame as "Kojak." Telly never forgot the group and would drop in on rehearsals whenever he came back east. Several members were guests at his home in Hollywood and on location in London. Another member during the early years was Ralph Waite, who also gained fame portraying the father in "The Waltons."

Such a good time was had by all that the group decided to hold a reunion of all former members sometime in the near future.