Plain, or level home. That is the meaning of “Planus Domus”. It is the Latin phrase from which Plandome derives its name. Welcome to Plandome. This village is located in Nassau County, on the North Shore of Long Island, in New York. Plandome is part of the Greater Manhasset area.
Let’s delve into the story of Plandome. The area was originally inhabited by Matinecock Native Americans. They called it Sint Sink, meaning “place of small stones.” In the 17th century, Dutch and English colonists arrived. Fishing and farming became major industries. In 1623, the Dutch West India Company claimed Cow Neck. They forced English settlers to leave in 1640. A land purchase in 1643 allowed the English to return. Prominent colonial families settled here. These families included the Mitchills and the Willets.
The Great Neck and Port Washington Railroad built a line through Plandome in 1898. Plandome became a flag stop. In 1909, Plandome received a permanent station. This station also housed the community’s U.S. Post Office. It served Plandome, Plandome Manor, and part of Flower Hill.
Four young men from New York City bought Mitchill family property in the early 1900s. They formed the Plandome Land Company. They developed the land with single-family homes. These homes centered around Plandome Village Green. They also built a Tudor building that became Plandome Village Hall.
The Village of Plandome was incorporated in 1911. The Plandome Land Company began developing the area. Some homes, farmhouses, and mills had already been built. In 1913, the Plandome Fire Department was established. It exclusively serves the village.
In 1943, the Plandome Post Office merged with the Manhasset Post Office. It became a branch of the Manhasset Post Office. This allowed residents to receive home delivery services. In January 1987, the Plandome LIRR station house burned down in an arson attack. It was rebuilt by 1990. The Plandome Post Office was rebuilt within the station. It now had its own space on the ground floor.
The Village of Plandome celebrated its centennial in 2011. The village is known for its beautiful green space. Plandome Village Green hosts many events. It is also the site of Village Hall.
Plandome is a bedroom community of New York City. Many residents commute to New York for work. The village is mainly residential. Most lots are zoned for single-family homes. There are no business districts within Plandome.
Plandome is served by the Plandome station on the Long Island Rail Road. Residents can get village parking permits for the station’s lots. Plandome is also served by the village-owned Plandome Water District. The Plandome Fire Department is an all-volunteer force. It was organized in 1913.
Plandome has been home to many notable people. These include Bruce R. Bent, founder of The Reserve Fund. Vernon and Irene Castle, the famous dance team, also lived here. Bill O’Reilly, the television host, once called Plandome home.
In recent years, Plandome has been used for filming movies and commercials. The Plandome LIRR station has been a popular location. As we conclude our tour, remember Plandome’s rich history. It is a blend of Native American roots, colonial heritage, and modern living.