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Jens Family

From Central Park Historical Society Encyclopedia

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The Jens family, Henry and Elizabeth with their 15 children prove that a big family makes a house a good home where all the children play musical instruments and a new basement room provided a "music hall" for the family. Not only music occupies the family activities, but scouts, homework, a going business (Jen's Florist), a prospective archaeologist all cooperate in household chores at 104 Harrison Avenue, Bethpage.

Henry Jens came to Bethpage with his family in 1921 and he was the original member of Boy Scout Troop #118 and achieved rank of Eagle Scout. He was also involved in 4H activities. He was directed in 4H by George Burkhardt and won a trip to Chicago for raising bees, rabbits, chickens, pigs, cotton, nursery stock and flowers. In 1933 Henry married Elizabeth Erb of Hicksville, and she was raised on a farm with chickens, cows, ducks and pigs. They both held the dream of once having their own business. After scrimping and saving they realized their dream with a greenhouse ready for the flower business. Elizabeth was on the Girl Scout Town Committee for five years and also taught Sunday School.

A list of the children, each interesting in their own pursuits, in 1956 follows: Arthur 22, a first year student at Farmingdale Tech, interested in metallurgy, and has talent in writing. Dorothy 20, was a girl scout for 10 years and earned the curved bar, now living in Pennsylvania. Albert 19, is with the Air Force in Denver. He said he could never rate the other ports as high as Bethpage. Robert 17, a senior at Bethpage High School when he eloped only to return home to work with dad. Helen 16, is in the Jr. High School and plays the French Horn in the band and piano and violin at home. She will receive her 10 year pin and the curved bar in Girl Scouting. She plans to teach the French horn. John 15, a freshman and plays on the Walther League Basketball team and a member of the track team. He plays string base violin in the dance band and the Sousaphone in the High School band. He plans a career as a music teacher.