At a recent Board of Trustees meeting for the Roslyn Landmark Society, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Daphne Hanjis as its newest trustee.
Daphne Hanjis grew up in Great Neck and relocated to East Hills in January 2022 when she and her husband, Dimitri, purchased the historic John Mackay III House. Also known as “Happy House,” the home was originally built in 1929 for John Mackay III, son of Gilded Age financier and owner of the 648-acre Harbor Hill estate that once covered much of East Hills, Clarence Mackay.
“Soon after putting in an offer to purchase our current home, the John Mackay III ‘Happy House,’ I came to learn what an important role Roslyn Landmark Society played in preserving it,” said Hanjis. “After our real estate agent showed us the house, we immediately began doing research on its unique history. That’s when we discovered all the work the Society and community did to prevent its demolition. Both my husband and I feel a tremendous sense of gratitude to Roslyn Landmark Society for their efforts in protecting the house and its legacy.”
Hanjis received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College and later graduated from Villanova University School of Law. She serves as Legal Counsel for her family business, which is part of the NYC yellow taxicab industry.
In the past she has served as a member of the Board of Directors for First Central Savings Bank and on the Supervisory Committee for Bay Ridge Federal Credit Union, in addition to volunteering on charity gala and event committees for the Peter Latos Prostate Cancer Foundation and HANAC (Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee).
In June 2023, Daphne and Dimitri Hanjis graciously opened the John Mackay III House to visitors as part of the Roslyn Landmark Society’s Historic House VIP Receptions fundraiser. Roslyn Landmark Society members and supporters were provided private tours of the exclusive home, with all proceeds from the event supporting local historic preservation efforts.
“I am thrilled Daphne Hanjis has joined the Roslyn Landmark Society’s Board of Trustees,” said Vice President Jordan Fensterman. “Daphne brings both professional and personal experience to the Board that will be hugely beneficial to our organization. Having trustees who themselves live in cherished homes in the community like Daphne also makes it more likely those homes will continue to be made available for exciting tours and events. The continuing level of community engagement is key as we spearhead large-scale community restoration projects such as the restoration of the Roslyn Grist Mill and Mackay Estate Gate Lodge.”
—Information courtesy of Roslyn Landmark Society
