Lawrence

Nestled in Nassau County, the Village of Lawrence whispers tales of transformation. Once a sprawling farmland, Lawrence became a summer playground for New York City’s elite thanks to three brothers: Alfred, Newbold, and George Lawrence. These brothers, in the 1850s, began shaping Lawrence into the haven it is today. They built the train station you can still see, connecting the village to the city’s heartbeat. They laid down roads, paving the way for carriages and dreams. The Rockaway Hunt Club found its home here in 1884, the same year a grand hotel opened its doors on the Isle of Wight, beckoning visitors to the shores of Reynolds Channel. Lawrence wasn’t just a place to be; it was a place to escape. The influx of summer residents spurred a need for progress. Paved roads, drainage systems, and curbs became essential. This led to the official incorporation of the Village of Lawrence on September 13, 1897, a date etched in the village’s DNA. Wander through “Back Lawrence” and you’ll find echoes of this era. Grand homes, once summer retreats, stand as testaments to the village’s opulent past. While some estates have made way for smaller developments, the spirit of the Lawrence brothers persists. Two pivotal moments shaped Lawrence’s destiny: the acquisition of the Village Golf Course in 1938 and the preservation of the Hicks Beach wetlands in 1952. These decisions ensured that Lawrence retained its rural charm, the very essence that drew those first settlers. The village’s history isn’t confined to dusty books. Lawrence has been home to a colorful cast of characters, from influential families dating back to the American Revolution to prominent figures like Donna Karan, Leslie West, and even Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former attorney. From a summer escape to a thriving community of over 6,800 residents, Lawrence continues to evolve, holding onto its past while embracing the future. The story of Lawrence is one of vision, transformation, and the enduring allure of a village that started as a dream.