How about a trip back in time to the 1850s? Imagine wealthy New York City families seeking refuge in the countryside. This is the story of the Village of Lawrence.
The Village of Lawrence began as vast farmlands. The Lawrence brothers Alfred, Newbold, and George transformed it. They envisioned a summer resort. Their vision shaped the community we see today.
In the 1850s, the Lawrence brothers acquired land. They aimed to accommodate New York City’s elite. These families sought respite from city life. The brothers built the train station on Lawrence Avenue. Connecting roadways followed. The Rockaway Hunt Club found its home here in 1884. That same year, a hotel emerged on the Isle of Wight near Reynolds Channel. Summer residents flocked to the area.
Within five years, the need for improvements grew. Surfaced roads with drainage were essential. Curbs were also necessary. This demand led to the incorporation of the Village of Lawrence. The date was September 13, 1897. Incorporation granted local control of zoning.
Many grand homes from that era still stand. They are located in what is called “Back Lawrence.” Some estates gave way to smaller developments. This evolution shaped Lawrence into its present form.
Old Lawrence, or Back Lawrence, features large homes. Some are mansions. Some are beachside villas. A few properties even date back to the American Revolution. This area’s rural affluence resembles the North Shore’s Gold Coast. It differs from the more urban South Shore of Nassau County.
Lawrence has experienced significant milestones. In 1938, the Village Golf Course was acquired. In 1952, the wetlands near Reynolds Channel were preserved. This was achieved through the purchase of Hicks Beach. These decisions profoundly impacted the Village of Lawrence. They helped retain the countrified atmosphere. This atmosphere was what the original settlers desired.
Lawrence was once home to upper-class White Anglo-Saxon Protestant families. They had resided there since the American Revolution. From the 1940s to 1980s, it became a center for Jewish life. Reform and Conservative Judaism thrived. Temple Israel, the largest Reform synagogue on Long Island, was here.
The late 1980s saw a migration of Modern Orthodox Jews. Central Avenue in Lawrence features kosher restaurants. It also has businesses catering to the Orthodox community.
Notable people have called Lawrence home. Fashion designer Donna Karan is one. Attorney Michael Cohen, known for his work with Donald Trump, was raised here. Lil Tecca, the hip hop artist, was born in Lawrence.
Today, the Village of Lawrence maintains its unique character. Its history is preserved in its streets and homes. The Village of Lawrence offers a glimpse into a bygone era.