Curious how a modest house in Great Neck Estates became the stuff of literary legend? Great Neck Estates is a village on the Great Neck Peninsula. It sits within the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, on Long Island’s North Shore.
Great Neck Estates incorporated in 1911. It became the second village to incorporate on the Great Neck Peninsula. Residents wanted to maintain home rule. They believed incorporation would provide services not otherwise available through the Town of North Hempstead.
In 1982, Great Neck Estates took a stand. It became the first village on Long Island to call for a nuclear freeze. This was between the United States and the former Soviet Union. Trustees approved a petition from three local residents. Copies of the document were sent to leaders of both nations.
The village covers a total area of 0.8 square miles. Most of it is land, with a small percentage being water. At the 2020 census, the population was 2,990.
F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in Great Neck during the 1920s. His house was at 6 Gateway Drive, in Great Neck Estates. This is perhaps Great Neck’s greatest claim to fame. Fitzgerald’s home was modest. It resembled that of Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby.” It is said that Fitzgerald modeled West Egg after Great Neck. Specifically, he used Kings Point as inspiration. He captured the nouveau riche gaudiness of the area. He also portrayed its atmosphere and lifestyle. East Egg, home to Daisy and Tom, was modeled after Sands Point. This area is Great Neck’s eastern neighbor, part of Port Washington.
Great Neck Estates boasts good public schools. It is considered a safe place. The area is good for families.
As of September 2021, William D. Warner is the Mayor of Great Neck Estates. Jeffrey Farkas serves as Deputy Mayor. Ira D. Ganzfried, Howard Hershenhorn, and Lanny Oppenheim are Village Trustees. Great Neck Estates is in the Town of North Hempstead’s 5th district. Lee R. Seeman represents this district on the Town Board.
Great Neck Estates is within the Great Neck Union Free School District. Children attend Great Neck’s schools. The village also falls within the Great Neck Library District.
One notable landmark is the Ben Rebhuhn House. This home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
So, as you wander through Great Neck Estates, remember its place in literary history. Think of Fitzgerald and the world he created. A world of lavish parties and hidden dreams, all inspired by this unique place.