Hicksville Gardens Civic Association
PO Box 624
Hicksville, NY 11802
“To improve the quality of life for the Hicksville Community by encouraging
community awareness, participation, and civic pride.”
HGCA Mission Statement
John Bull Dedidication
May 17th, 2008
On Saturday, May 17th 2008, Kennedy Memorial Park in Hicksville was the site of the
dedication ceremony of the John Bull locomotive.

The locomotive is a replica that was built by Chamber of Commerce President James
Pavone.  The full-sized, non-operating replica, which had taken Mr. Pavone slightly over two
years to build, is based on the 1831 “John Bull” locomotive which was imported from Britain
and ran on the Camden and Amboy Railroad.  It served for the inspiration for Matthias W.
Baldwin to build locomotives in this country.

Baldwin built the Long Island Rail Road’s first locomotive “the Ariel”,
the image of which can be seen on Hicksville's welcome signs and banners.
The "John Bull" locomotive
There was a nice turnout of interested people for the festivities.
Members of the HGCA were present to support the dedication.
The ceremony also attracted our local politicians.