ATTLEBORO -- The affection was flowing Saturday, as the city came together to honor former Recreation Director Fred Bartek by giving his name to the building he occupied for more than three decades.

The old National Guard Armory on Pine Street has been the city's recreation center since 1969. But as of Saturday, the facility will be known as the Fredric M. Bartek Recreation Center.

`` I'm thrilled by this honor,'' said the man himself, after he unveiled the dark brown sign with the green letters that immortalize his name. `` I'm honored, and I'm humbled.''

Bartek was the city's first recreation director, serving from 1967 to 1999. He's credited with developing and expanding many of the city's recreation programs, and, according to those who paid tribute to him Saturday, it was a job he did tirelessly.