Ever wonder how a New York village ended up with a name inspired by a Maine home? That’s the curious tale of the Village of Thomaston. Let’s explore this charming village on Long Island.
Thomaston officially became a village on October 1, 1931. Residents voted to incorporate to maintain local control. Initially, the proposal included University Gardens and Russell Gardens. However, University Gardens declined. Russell Gardens chose to incorporate separately.
Four founders shaped Thomaston’s early days. They were John W. Weight, Hunter L. DeLatour, Ernest A. Gallagher, and Henry A. Singley. These men guided the village through its first steps.
Thomaston Village Hall wasn’t built until 1971. Before that, village meetings occurred in the firehouse. Important records were kept in the homes of Village Clerks. The architectural firm of Blum & Nerzig, based in Great Neck, designed the Village Hall.
The name Thomaston has an interesting origin. William R. Grace, a prominent figure who later became Mayor of New York City, played a key role. He acquired land near the Long Island Rail Road’s Great Neck station. This included present-day Great Neck Plaza. Grace named the area Thomaston. It honored the ancestral home of his wife, Lillian Gilchrist, in Maine.
The name of that area eventually changed to Great Neck Plaza. But when the area now known as Thomaston incorporated, it adopted the name. The Grace family still owned land here.
Thomaston covers a small area. It is just 0.4 square miles. That is according to the United States Census Bureau.
As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,759. The village offers a close-knit community feel.
Northern Boulevard, also known as NY 25A, runs along Thomaston’s southern edge. Major roads within the village include Colonial Road, East Shore Road, and Grace Avenue.
Although the Long Island Rail Road passes through Thomaston, there’s no station here. The closest station is in Great Neck. Part of the LIRR’s Manhasset Viaduct is within the village.
The Manhasset-Lakeville Water District operates a water tower here. It is known as the Thomaston Tank.
Thomaston’s story is one of community. It is a story of preserving local identity. From its unusual name origin to its dedicated founders, Thomaston offers a unique glimpse into Long Island history.